Prick up your ears Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈpɹɪk/ /ˈəp/ /ˈjɔɹ/, /ˈjʊɹ/ /ˈiɹz/, /ˈɪɹz

PRIK-up yor EERZ

UK

pɹˈɪk/ /ˈʌp/ /jˈɔː/ /ˈiəz

prik-UP yor EE-uhz

التعريف

To suddenly listen very carefully and attentively, often because something interesting or surprising has been said.

الاستخدام والفروق الدقيقة

This is an informal, idiomatic expression. Commonly used to show someone is suddenly interested or curious because of something heard. Usually not used in literal contexts; more common in spoken English.

• Spanish: aguzar el oído - prestar atención (expresión)
• Portuguese (BR): ficar atento - prestar atenção (expressão)
• Portuguese (PT): ficar atento - prestar atenção (expressão)
• Chinese (Simplified): 竖起耳朵 - 注意听
• Chinese (Traditional): 豎起耳朵 - 注意聽
• Hindi: कान खड़े करना - ध्यान देना (मुहावरा)
• Arabic: أرهِف سمعك - انتبه (تعبير)
• Bengali: কান খাড়া করা - কান পাতানো
• Russian: навострить уши
• Japanese: 耳をそばだてる
• Vietnamese: dỏng tai lên - chú ý lắng nghe
• Korean: 귀를 쫑긋 세우다
• Turkish: kulak kesilmek - dikkat kesilmek
• Urdu: کان کھڑے کرنا - چوکس ہو جانا
• Indonesian: memasang telinga - menyimak dengan saksama

جمل نموذجية

When he heard his name, he pricked up his ears.

basic

The children pricked up their ears when the teacher mentioned a surprise.

basic

I always prick up my ears when I hear people speaking French.

basic

Talk of free pizza always makes everyone prick up their ears.

natural

She pricked up her ears at the mention of a job opening in her field.

natural

If someone mentions travel plans, I always prick up my ears.

natural