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to perk (up) one's ears
01
to hear something interesting and start to listen to it carefully
![to [perk|prick] (up|) {one's} ears definition and meaning](https://cdn.langeek.co/photo/42696/original/?type=jpeg "to [perk|prick] (up|) {one's} ears definition and meaning")
Idiom
InformalWhat is the origin of the idiom "perk one's ears" and when to use it?
The phrase "perk one's ears" is an idiom that originates from the behavior of horses. When a horse is alert or attentive, it tends to perk or prick its ears, raising them upright to better listen to sounds or detect movements. In the context of the idiom, it is used to describe the act of becoming attentive and alert to sounds or information.
例子
The horse pricked its ears when it heard its owner approaching.
So, if there's a simple way to make your business more profitable, you should perk your ears.
As the squirrel approached, the rabbit pricked its ears, ready to dart away at any sign of danger.
The cat pricked its ears at the sound of a mouse.
He used obscene words that pricked my ears.
