The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word GRAPEVINE
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
G
R
A
P
E
V
I
N
E
More clues leading to the result GRAPEVINE
- Go to press with items from this news source?
- VIP enraged after sacking director on the fiddle according to rumour
- Grand Canyon hosts exercises for news channel
- Travelling rep gave in a source of information
- Even a prig could be a passer-on of gossip
- Good exercise to fill gaping hole, where information passes
- Private source of information for fruit producer
- The ultimate source of, say, port’s rumour?
- Source of information about origin of wine?
- Dementedly raving about games on electronic social network
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "according to rumour" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case according to rumour = grapevine.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does GRAPEVINE mean?
GRAPEVINE noun- The plant, a vine of genus Vitis, on which grapes grow.
- A rumor.
- An informal person-to-person means of circulating information or gossip.
- A move in which the feet are alternately placed in front of each other, while both remaining on the ice or ground, incorporating half-turns.
- A leglock.
- To restrain in a leglock.