Idiom #7: A little bird told me

This week’s idiom:

“A little bird told me.”

Origins:

This idiom is thought to have come from the Old Testament in the Bible, namely Ecclesiastes 10:20.

“Do not revile the king even in your thoughts,
or curse the rich in your bedroom,
because a bird of the air may carry your words,
and a bird on the wing may report what you say.”

Meaning:

It is used by people to state a fact from a secret source.

Example:

“How did you know that I came first in the race, Grandma?” said Laura.
“A little bird told me,” replied Grandma.

See also my article “What is an idiom?”