# whisper campaign

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/whisper-campaign
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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.

## Examples

- The rival candidate started a whisper campaign to ruin her reputation.
- The company suffered after a whisper campaign suggested that their main product was unsafe, though no one could prove who started the rumors.
- By employing a calculated whisper campaign, the political operative successfully undermined the incumbent's credibility without ever leaving a traceable footprint of his involvement.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.