music to ears
music to one’s ears (idiom)
/ˈmjuː.zɪk tə wʌnz ɪrz/
Variants
- music in one’s ears
- sweet music to ears
- like music to the ears
Meaning
- Refers to news, information, or sounds that are very pleasing or welcome.
- Describes words or messages that bring relief or happiness.
- Highlights compliments or praise that feel satisfying to hear.
- Suggests any sound or phrase that brings emotional or mental comfort.
- Implies words that perfectly match what someone hoped or wanted to hear.
Synonyms: delightful; pleasing; soothing; comforting; welcome.
Example Sentences
- Her job offer was music to his ears after months of searching.
- The doctor saying “you’re fully recovered” was music to her ears.
- Hearing that his work was appreciated was music to his ears.
- The silence after the baby fell asleep was music to their ears.
- When the teacher announced a holiday, it was music to our ears.
Origin and History
The Essence of the Idiom
The core meaning of “music to one’s ears” lies in the inherent pleasure and positive emotional response that good music evokes. Just as a beautiful melody or harmonious chords can bring joy, comfort, or excitement, so too can certain spoken words or news. The idiom draws a direct comparison between the auditory delight of music and the satisfaction derived from hearing something desirable. It’s a testament to the universal human appreciation for sound that is both agreeable and meaningful.
A Natural Deduction
While a precise historical moment for its invention remains elusive, it’s easy to deduce the phrase’s underlying logic. Humans have long associated pleasant sounds with positive feelings. From the soothing lullaby to the celebratory fanfare, music has always played a significant role in human emotion and communication. Therefore, extending this concept to non-musical sounds or information that brings happiness is a natural linguistic progression. The phrase simply formalizes this intuitive connection.
Theories of Origin
Several theories exist regarding the phrase’s origin, though none are definitively proven.
The Amusement Connection
One prevailing theory suggests that the idiom is simply related to the general concept of amusement. Anything that is “amusing to hear” or brings a sense of pleasure through sound could have contributed to the phrase’s formation. This theory posits a broad, organic evolution rather than a specific event or source.
The Pleasure of Good News
Another theory emphasizes the pleasure derived from good news. When someone receives news that is highly anticipated, beneficial, or relieving, the feeling is akin to the enjoyment of a pleasing sound. This highlights the emotional impact of the information itself, likening it to the positive experience of listening to music.
Imaginative Origins: The Harmony of Understanding
From a more imaginative perspective, one could consider the phrase’s origin in the act of understanding and agreement. When two people are in perfect harmony, their thoughts and words “make music” together. Thus, when someone speaks words that resonate deeply and bring a sense of rightness or confirmation, it could be described as “music to the ears” – a metaphorical symphony of shared understanding or welcome truth.
Earliest Printed Record
One of the earliest known printed records of the phrase “music to her ears” appears in James Fenimore Cooper’s work from 1838. In this instance, the phrase is used to describe how the earnestness and passion of a young man’s feelings “made music to her ears,” indicating the pleasing effect of his heartfelt words. This usage confirms the idiom’s presence in written English during the early 19th century.
Country of Origin
Based on the earliest known printed records and its prevalent use in English literature and common speech, the phrase “music to one’s ears” appears to have originated in the English-speaking world, most likely in England or the United States. The usage by an American author like James Fenimore Cooper in the 19th century suggests its established presence within American English.
Similar Idioms
Last update:
Share your opinions