keep / have one's ear (close) to the ground

/kˈiːp hav wˈɒnz ˈiə klˈəʊs tə ðə ɡɹˈaʊnd/

/kˈiːp hæv wˈʌnz ˈɪɹ klˈoʊs tə ðə ɡɹˈaʊnd/

to keep / have one's ear (close) to the ground

to make an effort to stay well informed on the developments or changes of a situation