What does “Be all ears” mean?
"Be all ears" means to listen attentively.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I'm all ears - tell me what happened.
Example
When the teacher started talking about the upcoming test, the students were all ears.
Example
He leaned in closer, eager to hear the secret. He was all ears
Is “Be all ears” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Be all ears” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Be all ears” effectively in context?
You can use "Be all ears" to express your willingness and eagerness to listen attentively. It implies that you are fully focused on what someone has to say and ready to give them your undivided attention. For example, if a friend wants to share some exciting news with you, you can say, 'I'm "all ears" - tell me what happened.'
- 1Classroom
When the teacher started talking about the upcoming test, the students were all ears.
- 2Curiosity
He leaned in closer, eager to hear the secret. He was all ears.
- 3Conversation
During their heart-to-heart talk, she assured her friend that she was all ears and ready to listen.
Similar phrases to “Be all ears”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Be all ears” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Be all ears" is unknown.
Is “Be all ears” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Be all ears" is a common idiom used in everyday conversation. People often use it to show their interest and attentiveness when someone is speaking.
What tone does “Be all ears” have?
"Be all ears" conveys a tone of attentiveness and eagerness. It shows that you are genuinely interested in what someone has to say and willing to give them your full attention.
Can “Be all ears” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Be all ears" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of being attentive and ready to listen. You can use it in casual conversations with friends and family, as well as in more formal situations such as meetings or presentations.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'I'm "all ears" - tell me what you think.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I'm "all ears"!' to indicate that you are ready to listen.
