the scoop

IPA/ðə skˈuːp/
IPA/ðə skˈuːp/

the scoop — idiom

1. the most recent or interesting details about a person, event, or situation — esp

1.idiomB1
Definition

the most recent or interesting details about a person, event, or situation — especially information that is not yet widely known.

Example

Trang got the scoop on the merger from a friend inside the company.

collocation: get the scoop on [topic]

Luca gave the blog the scoop about the new train station before the official announcement.

collocation: give [someone] the scoop about [topic]

Common collocations
  • get the scoop
  • give someone the scoop
  • have the scoop
  • the scoop on
Synonyms
  • inside information

    more formal; often implies a confidential source

  • the latest

    even more casual; can refer to any recent news, not necessarily secret

  • the lowdown

    similar register but often implies the practical, essential facts

  • the inside story

    suggests a narrative account rather than a piece of information

Grammar Patterns

get/give/have + the scoop (on + noun phrase)

Usage Note

Frequently used in informal conversation and journalism. The preposition 'on' commonly follows to specify the topic (e.g., 'the scoop on the wedding'). The word 'scoop' without 'the' has a different meaning (a utensil or a portion size); this idiom always uses the definite article.

Common Mistakes

Do you have scoop on the meeting?
Do you have the scoop on the meeting?
the definite article 'the' is required in this idiom.
She gave me a scoop about the party.
She gave me the scoop about the party.
'scoop' in this idiomatic sense must be preceded by 'the', not 'a'.

Synonym discussion

Sense: idiom/1

All four phrases refer to information that is not yet widely known, but they differ in register and nuance. 'The scoop' is distinctly informal and often carries a journalistic or gossipy tone — think of a reporter breaking a story or a friend sharing juicy news. 'Inside information' is more neutral and formal; it suggests access to a privileged source and is common in business or legal contexts. 'The lowdown' is very casual and focuses on the practical, essential facts someone needs to know ('give me the lowdown on the new boss'). 'The inside story' implies a fuller narrative or backstory rather than a single fact. For everyday gossip, 'the scoop' fits best; for a boardroom leak, 'inside information' works better; for a friend's quick summary, use 'the lowdown'; and for a detailed behind-the-scenes account, choose 'the inside story'.

the scoop ↗inside informationthe lowdownthe inside story

Etymology

EnglishAmerican English

The idiom 'the scoop' draws on the journalistic sense of 'scoop', which dates back to the late 1800s in American newspapers. A reporter who 'scooped' the competition got the story published first. By the early 1900s, 'the scoop' had broadened from a breaking-news exclusive to any piece of interesting inside information, even in casual conversation.