Gossiping and lying go hand in hand. – Proverb

[T]hey liked their gossip strong and highly flavored, like their tea. – Louisa May Alcott, “Governess,” Work: A Story of Experience, 1873

If an American was condemned to confine his activity to his own affairs, he would be robbed of one half of his existence. – Alexis de Tocqueville, 1835

Where no wood is, the fire goes out; so where there is no tale bearer, the strife ceaseth. – Bible