Walls have ears Meaning in English
expression
ˈwɔɫz/ /ˈhæv/ /ˈiɹz/, /ˈɪɹz
WAWLZ hav EERZ
wˈɔːlz/ /hæv/ /ˈiəz
WAWLZ hav EE-uhz
Definition
This expression means you should be careful what you say because someone may be secretly listening, even if you think you are alone.
Usage & Nuances
An idiom used mostly in warnings or when talking about sensitive information. It suggests secrecy and the risk of being overheard. Common in stories, offices, and political contexts.
Spanish: las paredes oyen - las paredes tienen oídosPortuguese (BR): as paredes têm ouvidosPortuguese (PT): as paredes têm ouvidosChinese (Simplified): 隔墙有耳Chinese (Traditional): 隔牆有耳Hindi: दीवारों के भी कान होते हैंArabic: للحيطان آذانBengali: দেয়ালেরও কান আছেRussian: у стен есть ушиJapanese: 壁に耳ありVietnamese: tai vách mạch rừngKorean: 벽에도 귀가 있다Turkish: duvarların kulağı vardırUrdu: دیواروں کے بھی کان ہوتے ہیںIndonesian: tembok punya telinga
Example Sentences
Be careful what you say. Walls have ears.
basic
Let's talk outside; walls have ears.
basic
He whispered because walls have ears.
basic
Don't share any secrets here; walls have ears in this building.
natural
You know how it is—walls have ears, so keep it down.
natural
She just gave me a look and said, 'Walls have ears,' so I stopped talking.
natural