grape-vine
n
1 type of vine on which grapes grow 葡萄藤. =>illus 见插图.
2 (usu 通常作 the grape-vine) [sing]
(fig 比喻) means by which news is passed on from person to person, eg in an office, a school or a group of friends 消息的传播途径（如在办公室、 学校、 朋友间）
I heard on the grape-vine that Jill is to be promoted. 我听人说吉尔就要提升了.