Meaning of the word "bad news travels fast" in English

What does "bad news travels fast" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

bad news travels fast

US /bæd nuːz ˈtræv.əlz fæst/
UK /bæd njuːz ˈtræv.əlz fɑːst/
"bad news travels fast" picture

Idiom

people tend to circulate reports of misfortune or negative events more quickly than positive ones

Example:
I only heard about the accident ten minutes ago, but everyone already knows; bad news travels fast.
The whole office knew about the layoffs by noon. Bad news travels fast.