mulga wire
noun Australian
(the mulga wire) An informal network by which information or gossip is spread rapidly; the bush telegraph: official communications were poor but word travelled swiftly on the mulga wire...
- Ah, the mulga wire's been at work.
- I had been receiving worrying reports about her by mulga wire.
- He gives the mulga wire version of the expedition.
Origin
Late 19th century: from mulga, an Australian variety of acacia that is abundant in the bush + wire.