hear through the grapevine

The idiom "hear things" is closely related to "hear through the grapevine." Both idioms refer to the act of receiving information indirectly or through informal channels. While "hear through the grapevine" specifically connotes a network of interconnected individuals or sources, "hear things" is a more general expression for hearing rumors or gossip without specifying the source. Both idioms emphasize the unreliable nature of secondhand information and highlight the need for critical evaluation.

An additional idiom that aligns with the concept of indirect information is "hear the grass grow." This expression, like "hear through the grapevine," suggests the act of hearing something indirectly or through subtle cues. While "hear through the grapevine" emphasizes the network aspect, "hear the grass grow" emphasizes listening attentively and picking up on small details. Both idioms underscore the idea that paying attention to indirect or subtle signals can help uncover hidden information.