Definition & Meaning of "{one's} ears [are] burning"

What is the origin of the idiom "one's ears are burning" and when to use it?

The idiom "one's ears are burning" has its roots in ancient superstitions and folklore. It was believed that when a person's ears felt hot or tingled, it was a sign that someone was talking about them or mentioning their name. This belief likely originated from various cultures' superstitions about bodily sensations being linked to supernatural or spiritual occurrences. This expression is used when someone suspects or feels that they are the subject of a conversation or that others are talking about them. It can be used in a lighthearted or joking manner, and it often implies that the person is curious or concerned about what is being said.