Explore English traditional proverbsReviewed 2026-10-01
Sense: Verified- Meaning and lesson
The proverb turns an expectation upside down: news about London is heard in the countryside rather than in London itself. It suggests that distance can affect what people hear and pass along.
Someone outside the center of events may know stories that people there have not heard. The saying draws attention to that surprise without guaranteeing that every story is accurate.
- When it is used
Use it when someone learns news about a place from people elsewhere, especially when those closest to the events seem less informed. It can also gently question the assumption that proximity always brings better information.
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
Report an issue with this meaning: You must go into the country to hear what news at London.