50+ News Idioms

News Idioms

The news cycle can be a whirlwind of information, sometimes leaving you scratching your head. But what if there were hidden gems within the reports, little nuggets of language that add flavor and meaning? Well, there are! Enter the world of news idioms, those familiar expressions that pack a punch and enhance your understanding of current events.

List of News Idioms

News Idioms with Meaning and Examples

Break the news

• Meaning: To inform someone about something important or serious.
• Example: I had to break the news to her that her car had been stolen.

Hot off the press

• Meaning: Something that has just been printed or published and is very new.
• Example: The newspaper was hot off the press, and the ink was still fresh.

Extra, extra, read all about it

• Meaning: A call traditionally used by newspaper vendors to attract attention to their papers.
• Example: Extra, extra, read all about it! The mayor has announced his resignation.

Front-page news

• Meaning: Something that is considered important enough to be featured on the front page of a newspaper.
• Example: The scandal was front-page news for weeks.

News flash

• Meaning: A brief bulletin conveying important news.
• Example: We interrupt this program for a news flash: there has been a major earthquake in the region.

Make headlines

• Meaning: To become the subject of news stories.
• Example: The celebrity’s controversial remarks made headlines around the world.

Yesterday’s news

• Meaning: Something that is no longer new or important.
• Example: The company’s bankruptcy is yesterday’s news; everyone’s moved on to the latest scandal.

Stop the presses

• Meaning: An exclamation used to convey urgency, typically to halt the printing of a publication due to breaking news.
• Example: Stop the presses! We need to include the latest development in the front-page story.

Off the record

• Meaning: Information shared in confidence and not for publication.
• Example: I can’t confirm that officially, but off the record, it’s true.

Scoop

• Meaning: A news story that is published before any of its competitors.
• Example: The journalist got a scoop on the celebrity’s secret wedding.

Spill the beans

• Meaning: To reveal a secret or disclose information.
• Example: She promised not to spill the beans about the surprise party.

Catch someone’s eye

• Meaning: To attract someone’s attention.
• Example: The colorful advertisement caught my eye as I was walking down the street.

Headliner

• Meaning: The main story or performer in a show, event, or publication.
• Example: The rock band was the headliner at the music festival.

Hold the front page

• Meaning: An exclamation used to convey urgency, typically to request that a publication include breaking news.
• Example: Hold the front page! We have breaking news coming in from the capital.

In the headlines

• Meaning: Being discussed or featured prominently in news stories.
• Example: The politician found himself in the headlines once again after making controversial comments.

In the news

• Meaning: Being currently discussed or reported in the media.
• Example: The environmental crisis has been in the news a lot lately.

Old news

• Meaning: Something that is no longer of interest or relevance because it is well known or has been discussed extensively.
• Example: His scandalous affair is old news now; nobody cares anymore.

Press conference

• Meaning: A formal meeting or event where journalists are invited to hear and ask questions about a specific announcement or event.
• Example: The CEO called a press conference to address the company’s recent losses.

Read between the lines

• Meaning: To understand the hidden meaning or significance of something.
• Example: When reading the contract, make sure to read between the lines to avoid any surprises.

Slow news day

• Meaning: A day when there is little or no significant news to report.
• Example: The journalists struggled to find stories to cover—it was a slow news day.

Spread like wildfire

• Meaning: To spread rapidly and uncontrollably.
• Example: The rumor spread like wildfire through the office, causing panic among the employees.

Breaking news

• Meaning: New information that is just coming in and is being reported as it happens.
• Example: We interrupt this program for breaking news: there has been a terrorist attack in the city.

Cover story

• Meaning: The main story featured on the cover of a magazine or newspaper.
• Example: The scandalous affair was the cover story of every tabloid magazine.

Lead story

• Meaning: The most important or prominent story in a news broadcast or publication.
• Example: The lead story of tonight’s news is the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Media circus

• Meaning: A situation characterized by frenzied media coverage and attention.
• Example: The celebrity’s arrest turned into a media circus, with reporters camped outside the courthouse.

Off the beaten track

• Meaning: Away from the usual or popular route or course.
• Example: We decided to take a detour and explore some of the off-the-beaten-track villages.

On the record

• Meaning: Information that is officially documented and can be attributed to a particular source.
• Example: Anything you say to the press will be considered on the record and may be quoted.

Out of print

• Meaning: No longer available for sale in printed form.
• Example: The book went out of print years ago, but you might find a copy in a used bookstore.

Press release

• Meaning: An official statement or announcement issued to the media for publication.
• Example: The company issued a press release to announce its new product launch.

Publicity stunt

• Meaning: A planned event or action intended to attract media attention and generate publicity.
• Example: The celebrity’s skydiving stunt was just a publicity stunt to promote his new movie.

Run a story

• Meaning: To publish or broadcast a news story.
• Example: The newspaper decided not to run the story until they had verified the facts.

Run by someone

• Meaning: To share information or seek approval from someone, especially before making it public.
• Example: Before publishing the article, I’ll run it by the editor to get her feedback.

Tabloid journalism

• Meaning: Sensationalist and often irresponsible journalism practiced by tabloid newspapers.
• Example: The tabloid journalism was criticized for spreading rumors and misinformation.

Under wraps

• Meaning: Kept secret or concealed from public knowledge.
• Example: The details of the new product are still under wraps until the official announcement.

Wheel out someone/something

• Meaning: To bring out or present someone or something, especially for public display or attention.
• Example: The company will wheel out their latest innovations at the trade show next week.

Yellow journalism

• Meaning: Sensationalist and biased reporting, often characterized by exaggeration and distortion of facts.
• Example: The newspaper was accused of engaging in yellow journalism to boost its circulation.

Extra! Extra!

• Meaning: An exclamation used by newspaper vendors to announce the latest edition of a newspaper with exciting news.
• Example: Extra! Extra! The president has been impeached!

All the news that’s fit to print

• • Meaning: The slogan of The New York Times, implying that the newspaper covers all important news stories.
  • Example: The New York Times prides itself on publishing all the news that’s fit to print.

Front-page material

• Meaning: Something that is deemed worthy of being featured on the front page of a newspaper.
• Example: The scandal was definitely front-page material for the tabloids.

Headline news

• Meaning: News stories considered important enough to be featured prominently in newspapers or broadcasts.
• Example: The plane crash was headline news for days.

In black and white

• Meaning: In writing or in print; clearly stated or documented.
• Example: We have the agreement in black and white, so there should be no misunderstandings.

On the front page

• Meaning: Featured prominently on the front page of a newspaper.
• Example: The story about the earthquake was on the front page of every newspaper.

Out of the headlines

• Meaning: No longer attracting attention or being discussed in the media.
• Example: The scandal is finally out of the headlines, and things are starting to return to normal.

Pass under the radar

• Meaning: To go unnoticed or undetected.
• Example: The suspicious transactions somehow managed to pass under the radar of the regulators.

Plant a story

• Meaning: To secretly arrange for a story to be published in the media in order to manipulate public opinion.
• Example: The politician tried to plant a story about his opponent’s personal life to discredit him.

Put something in print

• Meaning: To publish something in written form.
• Example: The journalist decided to put her findings in print in a series of investigative articles.

Run a news story

• Meaning: To publish or broadcast a story as news.
• Example: The network decided to run the news story despite concerns about its accuracy.

Run with a story

• Meaning: To pursue or continue reporting on a particular news story.
• Example: The media outlets decided to run with the story after it gained traction on social media.

The latest news

• Meaning: The most recent information or updates.
• Example: Tune in to our website for the latest news on the election results.

Whistleblower

• Meaning: A person who exposes wrongdoing or illegal activities within an organization or government.
• Example: The whistleblower revealed evidence of corruption at the highest levels of government.

Hit the Ground Running

• Meaning: To start something immediately and with full effort, energy, and preparation.
• Example: As soon as the project was approved, we hit the ground running and began working on it tirelessly.

So next time you’re catching the news, keep your ears peeled for these idioms. They might just be the key to unlocking a deeper understanding of the world around you!

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