Gossip & News: English Vocabulary List

used to suggest that negative information or gossip tends to spread quickly, emphasizing the idea that people are often more interested in hearing and sharing bad news than good news

"The mistake spread through the office quickly — bad news travels fast."

"The product recall was known across the industry within hours — bad news travels fast."

used to imply that negative or distressing information tends to spread quickly, and that people are often more eager to share or spread negative news than positive news

"Negative stories always spread faster than good ones — ill news spreads apace."

"The rumour had reached every department before the official statement was issued — ill news spreads apace."

used to suggest that in the absence of any information, one can assume that everything is going well or according to plan

"We have not heard anything — no news is good news."

"The team waited anxiously for the audit results, reassuring each other that no news is good news."

used to suggest that even if the details of a particular story or rumor are not entirely accurate, there is usually some underlying truth or basis for the rumor

"Something caused this — there is no smoke without fire."

"The repeated complaints were dismissed, but there is no smoke without fire — an investigation was eventually launched."

used to imply that people who engage in gossip are often prone to lying or spreading false information

"People who spread rumours also lie — gossiping and lying go hand in hand."

"The office gossip distorted every story she passed on — gossiping and lying go hand in hand."

used to warn against the dangers of careless talk or gossip, particularly in situations where secrecy or confidentiality is important, as it can have serious consequences

"Do not share the details with anyone — loose lips sink ships."

"The team was reminded that loose lips sink ships when handling sensitive client information."

used to suggest that stories or rumors tend to become more exaggerated or distorted as they are passed on, and so one should take steps to verify information before accepting it as true

"Stories always get bigger as they spread — a tale never loses in the telling."

"By the time the story reached the press, it bore little resemblance to the original — a tale never loses in the telling."