But nerves were rattled, and the mere rumor of yet another attack jangled them further.

And even if Long-Term didn't break, the mere rumor that it had problems might lead to a windfall for you.

What is gold that he should have left all these for the mere rumor of it?

No, if there were really something in the offing, he would need more than mere rumors.

I can only say for certain that these things are not a mere rumor, something has been seen.

Therefore we shall name names after the elections; all those already mentioned are mere rumours, which count for nothing.

The talk of rain was beginning to sound like something more than mere rumor.

However, no-one asked him, and it was just as likely to be mere rumour.

These reports, however, were erroneous, based on mere rumors.

I guess the mere rumour that we'd come was enough to make the Saracens give up and run away.