ENGLISH
REFERENCE

rumor mill

idiom
Meaning

A process in which a group or network of persons originate or promulgate gossip and other unsubstantiated claims.


Examples
SIMPLE

The rumor mill is busy at my office today.

CONTEXTUAL

The rumor mill started working overtime as soon as the manager announced the sudden company merger.

COMPLEX

Despite the official statement from the board, the relentless rumor mill continued to circulate wild theories regarding the sudden departure of the chief executive.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    buy the rumor

    To purchase an asset based on positive speculation or unconfirmed reports, anticipating a price rise before the positive development leading to it is confirmed by official news.

  2. 02

    go through the mill

    To experience the suffering or discipline necessary to bring one to a certain degree of knowledge or skill, or to a certain mental state.

  3. 03

    grist for the mill

    Something that is useful or that creates a favorable opportunity.

  4. 04

    grist to the mill

    Alternative form of grist for the mill.

  5. 05

    pill mill

    A clandestine operation where a medical worker illicitly offers prescription medication to patients in exchange for bribes.

  6. 06

    rumor campaign

    A method of persuasion in which damaging rumors or innuendo are deliberately spread concerning a person or other target, while the source of the rumors tries to avoid detection.

  7. 07

    through the mill

    Through a period of bad treatment or an ordeal.

  8. 08

    trouble at mill

    Problems outside the household, especially in the workplace.

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