A Little Bird Told Me

On my writing blog I have written a series of articles about idioms. I look at the meaning of the phrases and their possible origins. Some of these idioms relate to birds. Here is another of those fscinating expressions.

“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.