A Little Bird Told Me

Definition

This idiom is used when you want to share information without revealing your source. It implies that the information came from a secret or discreet informant, often phrased humorously or playfully. While the phrase is more common in casual conversations, it can occasionally appear in formal contexts with a light-hearted tone.

Examples in Different Contexts

A. Informal:

1. Alan: “How did you hear about the surprise party?”
   Jane: “Oh, a little bird told me!”
2. A little bird told me that you’re the one behind the practical joke last week!

B. Formal:

1. The CEO smiled during the meeting and said, “A little bird told me that our marketing team is preparing something spectacular for the product launch.”
2. “A little bird told me that our department might receive additional funding next quarter,” said the professor, hinting at positive news without disclosing specifics.

Origin

The idiom “a little bird told me” has its roots in the long-standing association of birds with messages and communication. Historically, pigeons and other birds were used to carry messages over long distances.

Religious texts also depict birds as messengers. In the Bible, Ecclesiastes 10:20 (King James Version) warns:

“Curse not the king, no not in thy thought; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter.”

This verse metaphorically suggests that secrets have a way of traveling, much like a bird carrying a message.

Similarly, in Islamic tradition, the hoopoe is described in the Quran as the messenger of Prophet Sulayman (Solomon), delivering news about the Queen of Saba (Sheba) and her grand kingdom (An-Naml, Ayah 20–24).

It was not long before the bird came and said, “I have found out something you do not know. I have just come to you from Sheba with sure news. Indeed, I found a woman ruling over them, who has been given everything ˹she needs˺, and who has a magnificent throne.

Over centuries, the imagery of birds as message-bearers became a cultural motif. By the 19th century, the idiom began appearing in literature with a meaning closer to modern usage.

One of the earliest documented instances is found in Frederick Marryat’s novel Peter Simple (1833), where a character remarks, “A little bird has whispered a secret to me.” This playful phrase aligns with how we use the idiom today: to hint at receiving information from a discreet or undisclosed source.

Through these religious, cultural, and literary influences, the idiom evolved into the familiar expression we use in everyday language.

Similar Phrases and Idioms

Several similar phrases and idioms convey the idea of receiving information from a secret or unknown source or keeping the source of information hidden. Here’s a list of some:

1. “Word on the street is…”
   • Used to share information that is rumored or circulating informally.
   • Example: “Word on the street is that the new policy will start next month.”
2. “I heard through the grapevine…”
   • Refers to hearing information informally, often through gossip or rumors.
   • Example: “I heard through the grapevine that you’re planning to move abroad.”
3. “Rumor has it…”
   • Used to introduce information that is widely rumored but not officially confirmed.
   • Example: “Rumor has it that the company is planning a big merger.”
4. “Under the radar”
   • Describes something being done secretly or without attracting attention, though not about receiving information directly.
   • Example: “She’s working on a new project under the radar.”
5. “Between you and me…”
   • A way of sharing information confidentially or privately.
   • Example: “Between you and me, I think he’s going to get the promotion.”
6. “It’s hush-hush…”
   • Indicates that something is secret or meant to be kept confidential.
   • Example: “Keep this hush-hush, but there’s going to be a surprise inspection tomorrow.”
7. “Let the cat out of the bag”
   • Refers to revealing a secret or confidential information, often unintentionally.
   • Example: “I accidentally let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.”

Examples

• Alan: “How did you hear about the surprise party?”
  Jane: “Oh, a little bird told me!”
• A little bird told me that you’re the one behind the practical joke last week!
• I know you’re planning something special for your mom’s birthday—a little bird told me!
• The CEO smiled during the meeting and said, “A little bird told me that our marketing team is preparing something spectacular for the product launch.”
• “A little bird told me that our department might receive additional funding next quarter,” said the professor, hinting at positive news without disclosing specifics.
• The manager quietly remarked, “A little bird told me that you’ve been working extra hours to meet the deadline—well done!”

This idiom is in the animals category.