Don't bury the lede ❌👇📜
Meaning
Get to the most important information first, rather than delaying it.
Origin
This phrase comes straight from the world of journalism, where 'the lede'—short for 'lead'—is the opening sentence or paragraph of a news story. It's meant to deliver the most crucial information, the 'who, what, when, where, and why.' If a reporter buries the lede, they've hidden the main point under less important details, frustrating readers and failing their primary duty. The advice is simple: State the news upfront, don't make people dig for it.
Don't bury the lede represented with emoji❌👇📜
This playful arrangement of symbols playfully subverts the notion of traditional narrative, reminding us that sometimes, the most direct path is the most illuminating. It beckons us to skip the preamble and dive right into the heart of the matter, echoing the urgency of getting straight to the point.
Examples
- In your report, please don't bury the lede and tell us the main finding right away.
- The editor told the young journalist, "Don't bury the lede; readers want to know the outcome upfront."
- When describing your magical invention, don't bury the lede by talking about the packaging first; tell us what it *does*!
- The dragon's tale was fascinating, but he kept talking about his hoard before revealing the actual quest, so I had to remind him, "Don't bury the lede, magnificent beast!"
Frequently asked questions
'Don't bury the lede' functions primarily as an idiom. While it shares the characteristics of a proverb in offering advice, its specific origin in journalism and direct reference to a technical term ('lede') makes it more accurately classified as an idiom.
The exact origin of who first uttered or wrote 'Don't bury the lede' is unknown, as it emerged organically from journalistic practice. However, the principle was codified and widely taught in journalism schools and newsrooms from the early to mid-20th century.
The opposite of 'Don't bury the lede' would be to 'bury the lede' or to 'save the best for last.' This involves delaying the most important information, often for dramatic effect or to build suspense, which is generally discouraged in direct communication and news reporting.
Yes, 'Don't bury the lede' is commonly used in casual conversation to advise someone to get to the main point quickly. The phrase has transcended its journalistic origins to become a general metaphor for clear and direct communication in any context.