What is the origin of the idiom "bend one's ear" and when to use it?

The origin of the phrase "bend one's ear" is not definitively known, but it likely stems from the physical act of bending or leaning towards someone's ear to speak directly to them. The phrase has been in use since at least the early 19th century and has become a common expression in English to describe the act of talking to someone at length, often persistently or in a manner that demands their attention. The imagery of physically bending or leaning towards someone's ear emphasizes the intensity or insistence of the conversation, conveying the idea of being actively engaged in a discussion or being subjected to a lengthy monologue.