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keep one's ear (close) to the ground
to keep one's ear (close) to the ground
01
to make an effort to stay well informed on the developments or changes of a situation
What is the origin of the idiom "keep one's ear to the ground" and when to use it?
The idiom "keep one's ear to the ground" originates from the practices of native American trackers and scouts, particularly from Plains Indian tribes. These individuals would press their ears to the ground or place their ear against the earth to detect vibrations and sounds from a distance. By doing so, they could be alert to the approach of people, animals, or other significant events. It is used to describe the act of staying well-informed, being attentive to current developments, and actively seeking information or news in a specific field or area of interest.
Example
To excel in the tech industry, you need to have your ear to the ground, staying updated on the latest advancements and developments.
As a journalist, it's crucial to have your ear close to the ground, constantly seeking out stories and sources to report the latest news.
John had his ear to the ground, hoping to find out about new ideas in computers.
In the world of business, successful entrepreneurs keep their ear to the ground, tracking market trends and consumer preferences.
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