Prick up your ears Meaning in English
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.
Usage & Nuances
This is an informal, idiomatic expression. Commonly used to show someone is suddenly interested or curious because of something heard. Usually not used in literal contexts; more common in spoken English.
Spanish: aguzar el oído - prestar atención (expresión)Portuguese (BR): ficar atento - prestar atenção (expressão)Portuguese (PT): ficar atento - prestar atenção (expressão)Chinese (Simplified): 竖起耳朵 - 注意听Chinese (Traditional): 豎起耳朵 - 注意聽Hindi: कान खड़े करना - ध्यान देना (मुहावरा)Arabic: أرهِف سمعك - انتبه (تعبير)Bengali: কান খাড়া করা - কান পাতানোRussian: навострить ушиJapanese: 耳をそばだてるVietnamese: dỏng tai lên - chú ý lắng ngheKorean: 귀를 쫑긋 세우다Turkish: kulak kesilmek - dikkat kesilmekUrdu: کان کھڑے کرنا - چوکس ہو جاناIndonesian: memasang telinga - menyimak dengan saksama
Example Sentences
When he heard his name, he pricked up his ears.
basic
The children pricked up their ears when the teacher mentioned a surprise.
basic
I always prick up my ears when I hear people speaking French.
basic
Talk of free pizza always makes everyone prick up their ears.
natural
She pricked up her ears at the mention of a job opening in her field.
natural
If someone mentions travel plans, I always prick up my ears.
natural