(the) word is
Allegedly; it is said (that)...
Word is that the eatery will reopen soon under new management.
But the word is they were having problems with the new design.
Word is a shadow of a deed. Democritus
The best way to keep one's word is not to give it. Napoleon Bonaparte
The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug. Mark Twain
One written word is worth a thousand pieces of gold. Japanese Proverb
No word is ill spoken, that is not ill taken. Portuguese Proverb
A spoken word is not a sparrow. Once it flies out, you can't catch it. Russian Proverb