idioms using “ear”

Bend one’s ear

To get someone to listen to you

“Kaoru-san asked if she could bend my ear about the idea she wants to propose to her boss.”

In one ear and out the other

To pretend to listen but to actually ignore

“Don’t bother giving Satomi-san advice. It will just go in one ear and out the other.”

Grin from ear to ear

To be very happy

“Sugiyama-san’s job interview must have gone well; she is grinning from ear to ear.”

Keep an ear to the ground

To watch or listen closely for information

“Yano-san hasn’t said he is going to hire an assistant yet but I’ll keep my ear to the ground and let you know if he does mention it.”

Play something by ear

To not plan ahead, to adapt as the situation progresses

“We don’t know how many people want to go out to dinner after the meeting, so let’s just play it by ear instead of booking a restaurant right now.”