A Little Bird Told Me Idiom: Meaning, Origin, Usage & Exercises

The idiom ‘A little bird told me’, also ‘A Little Birdie Told Me’ is often used to hint that one has received information from a secret or undisclosed source. It adds a layer of mystery, playfulness, or secrecy to a conversation - just like a whisper from an invisible messenger. It is one of the common idioms in IELTS Speaking and Writing that reflects linguistic sophistication and cultural understanding.

This blog will discuss the meaning, history, usage, synonyms, IELTS-specific applications of the idiom ‘a little bird told me’, and exercises to help you use it naturally and appropriately and boost your IELTS vocabulary.

A Little Bird Told Me Idiom: Meaning

The idiom ‘A little bird told me’ means someone has shared a piece of information or a secret with you, but you don’t want to reveal who it was. It is often used humorously or playfully when the speaker wants to keep the source of information private.

Origin of ‘A Little Bird Told Me’ Idiom

There are multiple possible origin stories for the expression ‘a little bird told me’. 

• It has Biblical roots and literary influence. It can be traced back to Ecclesiastes 10:20 in the Bible, which states: “Curse not the king, no not in thy thought… for a bird of the air shall carry the voice.”. This verse implies that even if one tries to keep a secret, it might eventually be revealed, symbolically by a ‘bird’.
• Another origin story comes from a Norse legend, wherein Sigurd could hear and understand the birds after he slayed the dragon Fafnir. The birds warned him that Regin would kill him. 
• John Heywood’s Proverbs (1562) gives an earlier expression: “I hear by one bird that in mine ear was late chanting”, and characterizes ‘a little bird told me’ as the ‘modern’ version. So, by the 16th and 17th centuries, English speakers began using ‘a little bird told me’ as a humorous or poetic expression to conceal the identity of an informer.

A Little Bird Told Me Idiom Usage

The idiom ‘a little bird told me’ seamlessly fits casual, professional, and literary tones, making it adaptable and versatile in both spoken and written English. Moreover, authors often employ this idiom to create intrigue or narrative charm, especially when a character knows a secret or piece of gossip. Listed below are a few examples illustrating its application:

• A little birdie told me it was your birthday today.
• Hey Boyd, a little bird told me you haven’t been nice to your friends lately.
• A little birdie told me you got caught for speeding yesterday.
• A little bird told me that management is considering you for the new project.
• “A little bird told me your heart belongs to another,” whispered the queen in the tale.
• A little bird told me that you got promoted—congratulations!

A Little Bird Told Me Idiom: Synonyms and Related Phrases

In the table below, you can find a list of common idioms list for IELTS Speaking associated with the idiom 'a little bird told me' with their respective meanings and usages.

A Little Bird Told Me Idiom: Detailed Usage in IELTS Contexts

Useful idioms for IELTS Speaking to score Band 8.0+, like ‘a little bird told me,’ makes your responses sound natural and advanced when used appropriately. In IELTS, idioms like this are best used in informal speaking tasks, not in very formal IELTS essays. So, let us check out some sample questions and answers where this idiom has been used in the right context.

IELTS Speaking Part 2

• Cue Card Topic: Describe a time when you learned some surprising news
• Answer Excerpt: Well, a few months ago, I got some unexpected news that completely caught me off guard. One morning, a little bird told me that my closest friend was planning to move abroad for higher studies, but she hadn’t told anyone officially.

IELTS Speaking Part 3

• Question: Why do people enjoy sharing secrets or private information?
• Sample Answer: I think people often share secrets because it gives them a sense of connection and trust. When someone says, “a little bird told me something interesting,” it adds an element of mystery and excitement. It is human nature to be curious, and sharing private details sometimes helps people feel important or included in a social circle.

A Little Bird Told Me Idiom: Practice Exercises

As we move forward, it is time for you to test your understanding of the idiom ‘a little bird told me’ with the following exercises.

1 Someone told me you’re getting married soon!

2 I heard from an unnamed source that you got promoted.

3 Somebody mentioned that you’re planning to move abroad.

4 I came to know that the teacher is retiring next month.

1 A little bird told me to wake up early.

2 A little bird told me you passed your driving test!

3 My little bird told me I should eat healthy.

4 A little bird told me there’s a surprise waiting for me.

A Little Bird Told Me Idiom: Answer Key for Practice Exercises

To conclude, the idiom ‘a little bird told me’ continues to flutter gracefully through English communication, carrying hints of secrecy, playfulness, and subtle charm. Master idioms like this using mind maps to improve your IELTS vocabulary. They not only enrich your vocabulary but also help you speak English like a native. So, next time you know something but don’t want to say who told you, just smile and say, “A little bird told me!”

Useful Links:

• Have A Sinking Feeling Idiom: Meaning, Origin, Usage & Exercises
• Fair-weather Friend Idiom: Meaning, Origin, Usage & Exercises
• 'Bob's Your Uncle' Idiom: Meaning, Origin, Evolution & Exercise
• Common Idioms to Boost Your IELTS Score – Topic: Deception
• Practical Tips on How to Improve Vocabulary for the IELTS Exam
• Useful Resources & Websites for IELTS Vocabulary