Flea in your ear Meaning in English
expression
Definição
To give someone a strong warning or tell them off sharply, usually because they did something wrong or made a mistake.
Uso & Nuances
This is a British idiom and is rather informal; it means a sharp telling-off, usually from someone in authority. Not literally about fleas—used for verbal reprimands, not physical ones. Often appears as 'give (someone) a flea in their ear.' Rare in American English.
Frases de Exemplo
My teacher gave me a flea in my ear for forgetting my homework.
basic
He left the meeting with a real flea in his ear after arguing with his boss.
basic
If you come home late again, you'll get a flea in your ear from your parents.
basic
After that email, I definitely got a flea in my ear from my manager.
natural
She didn't just ignore my suggestion—she gave me a flea in my ear about it!
natural
Trust me, you don't want to leave the kitchen a mess unless you want a flea in your ear from Dad.
natural