What does “Bend someone's ear” mean?
"Bend someone's ear" means to talk to someone for a long time, especially about something that they are not interested in or do not want to hear about.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I had to bend his ear about the new project for hours.
Example
She always bends my ear about her relationship problems.
Example
He loves to bend their ears with his political opinions
Is “Bend someone's ear” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Bend someone's ear” 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 “Bend someone's ear” effectively in context?
You can use "Bend someone's ear" when you want to talk to someone for a long time, especially about something that they are not interested in or do not want to hear about. It implies that you are monopolizing their attention and talking at length. For example, if you have a friend who always talks about their problems, you might say, 'She always bends my ear about her relationship problems.'
- 1Work
I had to bend his ear about the new project for hours.
- 2Friendship
She always bends my ear about her relationship problems.
- 3Social gatherings
He loves to bend their ears with his political opinions.
Similar phrases to “Bend someone's ear”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Bend someone's ear” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Bend someone's ear" is unknown.
Is “Bend someone's ear” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Bend someone's ear" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe situations where someone talks at length to another person, often about a topic that the listener is not interested in.
What tone does “Bend someone's ear” have?
"Bend someone's ear" conveys a tone of annoyance or frustration. It suggests that the speaker is being subjected to a long and possibly tedious conversation.
Can “Bend someone's ear” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Bend someone's ear" can be used in both informal and formal settings. However, it is more commonly used in informal conversations among friends, family, or colleagues.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'I had to bend his ear about the new project for hours.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "bend someone's ear"!' to imply the intention to talk at length.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- rambling
- talk someone's ear off
- chew someone's ear
- go on and on
- monopolize the conversation
Antonyms
- cut to the chase
- listen attentively
- keep it brief
- be concise
- wrap it up
