Question

Choose the alternative which expresses the meaning of the given idiom/phrase.
To hear through a grapevine.
a. To learn gardening
b. To learn about fruits
c. To learn something officially
d. To learn something from a rumour

Answer 1

Hint: Since this statement in the question is an idiomatic expression, the meaning of the phrase would never be a literal translation of the words in the sentence.

Complete answer:
Idioms have a figurative meaning, we got to know this through the hint we read above, so let us begin finding out the correct answer by the process of elimination.

Option ‘a’ is incorrect because it is a very vague sentence with regards to the phrase given above, to learn gardening is not something which would be expressed in an idiomatic expression using a plant itself.

Option b again is a very bland statement, in lieu of the expression, no one learns about fruits by hearing something, so this option is also incorrect.

To hear through a grapevine is very suggestive of something hideous, so hearing something officially is not a valid consideration, therefore this option is also eliminated.

Finally, we are left with option d, which is the correct answer to this question. To learn something from a rumour is the correct explanation of the given idiomatic phrase.

Note: Never cram idioms, you will end up mixing all of them. Just follow the process of intelligent elimination, it works most of the time, and for the rest, you can always boost your vocabulary!