An earful Meaning in English
expression
ˈæn/, /ən/ /ˈiɹˌfəɫ
an EER-ful or n EER-ful
ˈɐn/ /ˈiəfəl
un EER-ful
Definition
When someone gives you 'an earful', they talk to you for a long time, usually angrily or to complain, criticize, or give a strong warning.
Usage & Nuances
Informal, often used after someone gets a long and angry criticism or complaint. Common with 'give' and 'get'. Usually negative—it's unwanted and unpleasant. Does not refer to physical ears or hearing.
Spanish: reprimenda - una buena broncaPortuguese (BR): bronca - sermãoPortuguese (PT): raspanete - sermãoChinese (Simplified): 一顿训斥 - 一顿数落Chinese (Traditional): 一頓訓斥 - 一番數落Hindi: डाँट-फटकार - फटकारArabic: توبيخ شديد - كلام قاسيBengali: বকুনি - ধমকRussian: нагоняй - головомойкаJapanese: きつく叱られること - お説教Vietnamese: một trận mắng - một trận la mắngKorean: 호된 꾸중 - 잔소리Turkish: azarlanma - fırçaUrdu: ڈانٹ - سرزنشIndonesian: omelan - teguran keras
Example Sentences
My teacher gave me an earful for being late.
basic
She got an earful from her mom after breaking the vase.
basic
If you come home late again, you'll get an earful!
basic
Wow, my boss really gave me an earful after that mistake.
natural
Kids came back muddy and got an earful from their dad.
natural
I called to apologize, but instead I got an earful.
natural