Ear Idioms

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within earshot

Meaning: to be close by

Example: The police was within earshot of the commotion and came to the spot almost immediately. Read more ➺


prick up ears

Meaning: to start paying attention

Example: The teacher asked her student to prick up his ears when he kept on disturbing the class with silly jokes. Read more ➺


prick ears up

Meaning: listen carefully

Example: She pricked up her ears when she heard her name being mentioned by the group chatting animatedly at the corner. Read more ➺


lend me your ears

Meaning: ask for someone's full attention

Example: Lend me your ears, and I will tell you about my adventures in the mountains. Read more ➺


Van Gogh’s ear for music

Meaning: Van Gogh was a painter who cut his ear off and this phrase is a pun intended one referring to being tone deaf.

Example: Her singing is so bad she has Van Gogh's ear for music. Read more ➺


all ears

Meaning: Listening eagerly and with great attention.

Example: When the teacher began explaining the surprise project, the class was all ears. Read more ➺


hear on the grapevine

Meaning: to hear rumours about something

Example: I heard on the grapevine that he was being promoted, but I don't know anything further. Read more ➺


play by ear

Meaning: learn music by ear

Example: My sister learned to play the piano by ear when she was a child. Read more ➺


play it by ear

Meaning: improvise; act without preparation.

Example: Rather than adopting a new academic strategy, the principal decided to play it by ear. Read more ➺


turn a deaf ear

Meaning: choose not to hear

Example: Please do not just turn a deaf ear to their cries for help. Read more ➺


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