Later the rumour took a more definite shape: Nin had been shot in prison by the secret police and his body dumped into the street.

The rumor has taken several forms.

I see that certain, ah... distortions and baseless rumors have taken root in the provinces.

There had been vague, but persistent rumours in the neighbourhood; the police had taken action at last.

News reports said rumors about Jordan's intentions took hold after an uncle of the king participated in an Iraqi opposition conference.

- he kept his silence until rumors of his death had taken on the status of received wisdom.

And then the rumors took another turn.

A rumor that West Germany was planning to raise interest rates "took the enthusiasm out of the market," he said.

For that is the turn which the rumour had now taken.

"The rumors have taken the place of the appetite."