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to prick up one's ears
01
to begin listening eagerly and intentively
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What is the origin of the idiom "prick up one's ears" and when to use it?
The idiom "prick up one's ears" dates back to the 16th century and has its origins in the behavior of animals, particularly horses and dogs. When an animal pricks up its ears, it raises them upright, making them more sensitive to sounds and better able to hear what's happening in their surroundings. This action signifies a heightened state of attentiveness and alertness. This expression is used to describe the act of becoming alert, attentive, and eager to listen carefully to something that has been heard or said.
Example
As soon as the boss mentioned possible promotions, the employees pricked up their ears, hoping to hear more details.
The children pricked up their ears when they heard the word 'ice-cream'.
In a business meeting, it's important to prick up your ears to understand the client's needs and concerns.
During the dinner party, I pricked up my ears when I overheard a discussion about a topic I'm passionate about.
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