How to Pronounce "prick up your ears"
expression
ˈpɹɪk/ /ˈəp/ /ˈjɔɹ/, /ˈjʊɹ/ /ˈiɹz/, /ˈɪɹz
PRIK-up yor EERZ
pɹˈɪk/ /ˈʌp/ /jˈɔː/ /ˈiəz
prik-UP yor EE-uhz
Definition
To suddenly listen very carefully and attentively, often because something interesting or surprising has been said.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈpɹɪk/ /ˈəp/ /ˈjɔɹ/, /ˈjʊɹ/ /ˈiɹz/, /ˈɪɹz
British English
pɹˈɪk/ /ˈʌp/ /jˈɔː/ /ˈiəz
Simplified Pronunciation
US
PRIK-up yor EERZ
UK
prik-UP yor EE-uhz
Listen in Context
When he heard his name, he pricked up his ears.
The children pricked up their ears when the teacher mentioned a surprise.
I always prick up my ears when I hear people speaking French.
Talk of free pizza always makes everyone prick up their ears.