Box your ears Meaning in English
expression
ˈbɑks/ /ˈjɔɹ/, /ˈjʊɹ/ /ˈiɹz/, /ˈɪɹz
BOX your EERZ
bˈɒks/ /jˈɔː/ /ˈiəz
BOKS yaw EE-uhz
Definition
To hit someone on the sides of their head, especially over or near the ears, usually as a mild punishment. This is an old-fashioned expression.
Usage & Nuances
Very old-fashioned and rarely used today except in literature or when imitating older speech. Not literal in modern English—do not use it for actual threats. Sometimes humorous or exaggerated.
Spanish: dar una bofetada en las orejas - abofetear las orejasPortuguese (BR): dar um tapa nas orelhasPortuguese (PT): dar uma palmada nas orelhasChinese (Simplified): 打耳光（多指打在耳朵两侧）Chinese (Traditional): 打耳光（多指打在耳朵兩側）Hindi: कानों पर थप्पड़ मारनाArabic: صفع الأذنينBengali: কানে চড় মারা - কান মলাRussian: дать подзатыльник - дать по ушам (устар.)Japanese: 耳をはたく - 耳を平手打ちするVietnamese: tát vào tai - đánh vào taiKorean: 귀를 때리다 - 귀를 한 대 치다Turkish: kulaklarına bir tokat atmak - kulağına vurmak (eskimiş)Urdu: کان کھینچنا - کانوں پر تھپڑ مارناIndonesian: menampar telinga - memukul telinga
Example Sentences
If you don't listen, I'll box your ears!
basic
The teacher threatened to box his ears for being rude.
basic
He remembered how his mother used to box his ears when he misbehaved.
basic
Don't make me box your ears, young man!
natural
She laughed, 'I ought to box your ears for that smart remark.'
natural
Back in the day, teachers would sometimes box your ears instead of sending you to the principal.
natural