sources say
Meaning
This phrase is used to attribute information to unnamed individuals who are believed to be knowledgeable about a situation, often in journalism or informal discourse.
Origin
The practice of attributing information to unnamed informants is as old as reporting itself, but the punchy, almost formulaic phrase "sources say" truly came into its own with the rise of modern investigative journalism, particularly in 20th-century America. It became the bedrock of many major scoops, a crucial tool for reporters to share sensitive information from whistleblowers, officials, or insiders who couldn't—or wouldn't—be named. This wasn't just journalistic jargon; it was a compact, powerful signal to the reader: "Here is important information, verified by someone close to the action, even if their identity must remain a secret." It allowed news outlets to break stories that might otherwise never see the light of day, adding a layer of intrigue and urgency to headlines across the nation.
Examples
- Sources say the company is preparing for a major merger announcement next month.
- According to the latest gossip, sources say the mayor is planning to run for re-election despite recent controversies.