- Meaning
- This idiom, from journalism, describes hiding or delaying the most important or interesting part of a story, as if burying the lead (or ‘lede,’ an archaic spelling) beneath less critical details. It conveys poor prioritization or obfuscation, often used in media, writing, or conversational contexts to critique unclear communication. The phrase carries a tone of frustration, correction, or insider jargon, reflecting cultural values of clarity and the human tendency to obscure key points. Its newsroom imagery evokes a misordered story, resonating in scenarios like reports or pitches. The idiom demands focus, making it a sharp metaphor for misplaced emphasis.
- Origin
- The phrase originated in early 20th-century American newsrooms, tied to journalism slang where ‘lede’ referred to a story’s opening, with ‘burying’ implying its delay, as noted in style guides. Its earliest recorded use appears in *The Chicago Tribune* (1940s), critiquing poor reporting. The idiom gained traction in the late 20th century, amplified by media training and shows like *The Newsroom*. Its adoption, primarily in the U.S., stems from its niche imagery and relevance to communication, with growing use in the U.K. and Canada.
- Variants
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- Bury the lead
- Burying the lede
- Buried the lede
- Examples
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- Don’t bury the lede; mention the award win in the first sentence.
- Burying the lead, his report hid the scandal until page three.
- She buried the lede, rambling before revealing the promotion.
- Bury the lede, and you’ll lose your audience’s attention.
- They buried the lead, downplaying the breakthrough in the pitch.
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