In the headlines
Meaning
Being widely reported and discussed as significant news by the media.
Origin
In the booming newspaper era of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, publications competed fiercely for readers' attention. News editors began using increasingly large and bold type for the titles of their most important stories, printing them at the very top of the page – the "headlines." These dramatic, attention-grabbing phrases were designed to shout the day's biggest news, drawing the eye and compelling a purchase. Thus, for something to be "in the headlines" meant it was not just news, but the news, commanding public attention and dominating conversations across the nation.
Examples
- The unexpected election results have been in the headlines all week, dominating every news channel.
- After the company's latest announcement, their new product is definitely in the headlines.