Idioms are expressions that don’t always mean what the words say. They help us describe things in a fun and interesting way. When we talk about ears, there are many idioms that people use to express certain ideas. These idioms don’t refer to ears directly, but instead use them to describe how we listen, hear, or pay attention.
In this article, we will explore different idioms related to ears. You’ll learn their meanings and see how they can be used in everyday situations. These idioms can help you sound more creative and playful when talking about hearing or listening. Let’s dive in and see how these expressions make language more exciting!
Idioms about Ears
1. Ear to the Ground
Meaning: To listen carefully to what is happening around you, often to hear gossip or news.
Example: My mom always has her ear to the ground to know what’s going on at school. / She keeps her ear to the ground to hear the latest updates about the new movie.
Put Differently: She listens closely to learn everything. / He pays attention to all the details happening around him.
2. In One Ear and Out the Other
Meaning: When someone doesn’t pay attention to what is being said or quickly forgets.
Example: I told my brother to clean his room, but it went in one ear and out the other. / The teacher’s instructions went in one ear and out the other during the test.
Put Differently: He didn’t remember what I said./ She didn’t listen carefully.
3. Bend Someone’s Ear
Meaning: To talk to someone for a long time about something, often when they are not interested.
Example: I had to bend my friend’s ear about the new video game for an hour. / I bent my mom’s ear about my school project for a while.
Put Differently: I talked to them for a long time. / I told them all about something I care about.
4. Play It by Ear
Meaning: To do something without a plan, by figuring it out as you go along.
Example: We didn’t plan the trip; we just decided to play it by ear and see where the day took us. / I forgot my homework, but I decided to play it by ear and see if I could get help at school.
Put Differently: We made decisions as we went. / I didn’t plan ahead and just did whatever felt right.
5. Not Hear the End of It
Meaning: To be reminded repeatedly about something, especially something you did wrong.
Example: If I forget my lunch again, I won’t hear the end of it from my dad. / After I lost my soccer game, my brother didn’t stop teasing me, and I didn’t hear the end of it.
Put Differently: I will keep hearing about it. / They will remind me over and over.
6. Music to My Ears
Meaning: Something that sounds very pleasing or is very enjoyable to hear.
Example: When I heard I was getting a new bike for my birthday, it was like music to my ears. / The news of no school tomorrow was music to my ears!
Put Differently: It made me very happy. / I loved hearing that!
7. Close to One’s Ear
Meaning: To speak directly into someone’s ear, usually to tell them something secretly or quietly.
Example: She leaned in close to my ear and told me her secret. / He whispered something close to my ear when the teacher wasn’t looking.
Put Differently: She spoke quietly to me. / He shared a secret in a low voice.
8. Ear Candy
Meaning: Something that sounds really good or enjoyable to listen to.
Example: The song we listened to in class was ear candy because the music was so good. / That new pop song is ear candy; it’s so fun to listen to!
Put Differently: It sounded really nice. / The music was super fun to hear.
9. Give Someone an Earful
Meaning: To tell someone a lot of things, often in a way that shows you are upset.
Example: My mom gave me an earful about forgetting to do my chores. / When I was late for school, the teacher gave me an earful.
Put Differently: She told me everything she was upset about. / He talked to me for a long time because he was mad.
10. Keep an Ear Out
Meaning: To listen carefully for something, especially for something important or interesting.
Example: Keep an ear out for the announcement about the school play. / You should keep an ear out for the ice cream truck this afternoon.
Put Differently: Listen closely for it. / Stay alert to hear it.
11. On the Tip of Your Tongue
Meaning: When you know something but can’t remember it right away.
Example: I know the answer to the question; it’s on the tip of my tongue! / Her name is on the tip of my tongue, but I can’t remember it.
Put Differently: I almost remember it. / I can’t think of it right now, but I know it.
12. Ear to the Wall
Meaning: To listen carefully, often for gossip or private information.
Example: I kept my ear to the wall to hear the surprise news. / He had his ear to the wall to find out if we were having a party.
Put Differently: I listened closely to find out what was happening. / He tried to hear secret information.
13. Give a Deaf Ear
Meaning: To ignore someone or not listen to them.
Example: He gave a deaf ear to my advice and made the same mistake. / When I asked for help, she gave me a deaf ear.
Put Differently: He ignored what I said. / She didn’t listen to me.
14. A Listening Ear
Meaning: Someone who listens carefully and kindly to you.
Example: After my bad day, my best friend was a listening ear for me. / My teacher always has a listening ear when I need to talk.
Put Differently: My friend listened to me. / My teacher is always ready to hear my problems.
15. Turn a Deaf Ear
Meaning: To deliberately ignore or refuse to listen to something.
Example: When I asked if I could go out, my mom turned a deaf ear to me. / The teacher turned a deaf ear to my excuses about being late.
Put Differently: She didn’t listen to me on purpose. / He ignored what I said on purpose.
16. Straight from the Horse’s Mouth
Meaning: Hearing something directly from the person who knows it best.
Example: I heard straight from the horse’s mouth that we’re going to Disneyland. / She told me straight from the horse’s mouth that the party is tomorrow.
Put Differently: I heard it directly from the person. / She told me the news herself.
17. In One Ear and Out the Other
Meaning: When someone doesn’t listen to or remember what is said.
Example: My brother never listens; it just goes in one ear and out the other. / I can tell her the same thing, but it always goes in one ear and out the other.
Put Differently: He doesn’t pay attention. / She forgets what I say quickly.
18. Catch Someone’s Ear
Meaning: To get someone’s attention, especially in a way that makes them interested.
Example: The joke caught everyone’s ear, and they all laughed. / His story about the trip really caught my ear.
Put Differently: He got my attention. / Her words made me listen carefully.
19. Have an Ear for Music
Meaning: To have a talent for understanding or playing music.
Example: My cousin has an ear for music and can play any song on the piano. / She has an ear for music and can pick up songs very quickly.
Put Differently: She’s really good at music. / He can easily play songs.
20. Give Someone an Earful
Meaning: To talk to someone at length, especially to complain or scold.
Example: My dad gave me an earful after I broke the lamp. / I got an earful from my mom for not doing my homework.
Put Differently: He talked to me a lot about what I did wrong. / She scolded me for my mistake.
21. At the Drop of a Hat
Meaning: To do something immediately, without any delay.
Example: If you need help, she’ll be there at the drop of a hat. / He’ll help you at the drop of a hat, no questions asked.
Put Differently: She will act right away. / He will help you immediately.
22. A Sounding Board
Meaning: A person who listens to your ideas and gives you feedback.
Example: I used my best friend as a sounding board for my science project ideas. / He was a sounding board for my plan to start a club.
Put Differently: She helped me by listening to my ideas. / He gave me advice about my plan.
23. Eavesdrop on Someone
Meaning: To listen secretly to someone’s conversation.
Example: I accidentally eavesdropped on my parents when they were talking about a surprise. / She eavesdropped on the conversation and heard the secret.
Put Differently: I listened without them knowing. / She secretly listened to what they were saying.
24. Get an Earful
Meaning: To be told a lot, especially something unpleasant.
Example: I got an earful from my teacher after forgetting my homework. / He got an earful from his sister for borrowing her stuff without asking.
Put Differently: I was told everything I did wrong. / He heard a lot about his mistake.
25. Turn a Blind Eye
Meaning: To ignore something that you know is wrong.
Example: He turned a blind eye to the messy room because he didn’t want to clean it. / She turned a blind eye when her friend was being rude.
Put Differently: He ignored the problem./ She didn’t want to see it.
26. Out of Earshot
Meaning: Too far away to hear something.
Example: I whispered to my friend, knowing the teacher was out of earshot. / We talked quietly so the adults would be out of earshot.
Put Differently: We were far enough away to not be heard. / The teacher couldn’t hear us.
27. Sing Someone’s Praises
Meaning: To say nice things about someone, especially to praise them.
Example: After the game, my coach sang my praises for making the winning shot. / She always sings her sister’s praises for being such a hard worker.
Put Differently: He talked about how great I was. / She always praises her sister.
28. A Little Bird Told Me
Meaning: To say that you heard some news, but you don’t want to say who told you.
Example: A little bird told me that we’re having a surprise party tomorrow. / A little bird told me you were planning a fun trip.
Put Differently: I heard it from someone, but I can’t say who. / Someone told me a secret.
29. Be All Ears
Meaning: To listen closely and be very interested.
Example: I’m all ears! Tell me all about your new puppy. / When you’re ready to tell your story, I’m all ears.
Put Differently: I’m listening carefully. / I want to hear everything you say.
30. An Open Ear
Meaning: To be willing to listen and hear someone out.
Example: I always have an open ear when my friends need to talk. / My teacher has an open ear whenever I need help.
Put Differently: I’m ready to listen. / He listens to me carefully.
31. Catch Someone’s Eye
Meaning: To attract someone’s attention.
Example: The bright yellow car really caught my eye when we were driving. / Her new shoes caught everyone’s eye at school.
Put Differently: It grabbed my attention. / Everyone noticed them.
32. On Deaf Ears
Meaning: When something is ignored or not listened to.
Example: My suggestion to help clean the park fell on deaf ears. / My request for a new bike went on deaf ears.
Put Differently: They ignored me. / No one listened to what I said.
33. Hearing Is Believing
Meaning: To believe something only after hearing it.
Example: I didn’t believe the story until I heard it from her. /Hearing is believing. Hearing is believing; I didn’t think the surprise was real until I heard it.
Put Differently: I believed it when I heard it. / I didn’t think it was true, but then I heard it.
34. Make Ears Pop
Meaning: To cause a sudden change or reaction.
Example: The loud music at the concert made my ears pop. / The news about the surprise made everyone’s ears pop with excitement.
Put Differently: It surprised me. / It made me react quickly.
35. Be All Ears
Meaning: To be ready and excited to listen to someone.
Example: I’m all ears for your big news! / He said, “I’m all ears” when I started talking about the new game.
Put Differently: I’m excited to listen./ I can’t wait to hear what you have to say.
36. Catch Someone’s Attention
Meaning: To make someone focus on you or notice something.
Example: Her new shirt caught my attention because it was so bright. / The loud noise caught everyone’s attention at the party.
Put Differently: It made me look. / It got noticed by everyone.
37. A Listening Ear
Meaning: Someone who listens carefully and kindly to you.
Example: My sister was a listening ear when I had a bad day. / My teacher is always a listening ear for any problem.
Put Differently: She listens to me carefully. /He always listens and helps me.
38. Hear It Through the Grapevine
Meaning: To hear rumors or unofficial news.
Example: I heard through the grapevine that we’re having a field trip. / She heard it through the grapevine that there’s going to be a school dance.
Put Differently: I heard it as a rumor. / The news came from someone else.
39. Ear for Detail
Meaning: To listen or notice things very carefully.
Example: She has an ear for detail when she plays the piano. / He has an ear for detail when he’s solving math problems.
Put Differently: She listens carefully to everything. / He notices everything carefully.
40. Heard It on the Street
Meaning: To hear something from unofficial sources, often rumors.
Example: I heard it on the street that we’re getting a new principal. / They heard it on the street that there will be a new movie.
Put Differently: I heard it as a rumor. / I heard it from people around town.
“Rewrite the Sentence” Activity:Idioms about Ears
Below are 10 simple sentences about feelings or situations related to ears. Your task is to rewrite each sentence using one of the idioms for ears from the list you’ve learned. Make sure the new sentence still makes sense and sounds natural.
Sentences to Rewrite
- I want to hear everything about the new movie you’re watching.
- I didn’t pay attention when my friend was talking.
- He always listens to my problems and helps me feel better.
- I couldn’t understand the instructions at first.
- I heard a lot of gossip about the school play.
- I’ve been wondering when our class will go on a field trip.
- He kept talking about his new video game for hours.
- I felt really happy when I heard I was getting an award.
- I didn’t hear the bell ring because I was focused on my book.
- I need help understanding this tricky math problem.
Answer Key
- I’m all ears about the new movie you’re watching.
- It went in one ear and out the other when my friend was talking.
- He’s always a listening ear when I need help with my problems.
- I couldn’t wrap my brain around the instructions at first.
- I caught an earful of gossip about the school play.
- I’ve been keeping an ear out for when our class will go on a field trip.
- He bent my ear about his new video game for hours.
- Hearing the good news was like music to my ears when I heard I was getting an award.
- I didn’t hear the bell ring because I was out of earshot of the sound.
- I need help to wrap my brain around this tricky math problem.
Conclusion
In conclusion, idioms are a fun and creative way to express feelings or describe situations. When we talk about ears, there are many idioms that help us describe how we listen, hear, or pay attention. These idioms can make our language more interesting and colorful.
By learning these idioms, you can better understand how others use them in everyday conversations. You can also start using them in your own speaking and writing to sound more natural and fun. Keep practicing, and you’ll find that these idioms will become a regular part of your vocabulary.
