👂 All Ears and Beyond: The Art of Paying Attention 🦻
Origins and Definition
“To be all ears” means to pay close attention to what is being said. The phrase possibly takes root in John Milton’s Comus (1634) where he writes: “I am all ear and took in strains that might create a soul under the ribs of death.” The phrase embodies the eagerness and readiness to listen intently. Over the centuries, “all ears” has become a beloved idiom featured in the works of literary giants like Anthony Trollope and many more.
Related Terms and Synonyms
- On the edge of your seat: Eagerly awaiting something.
- Hanging on every word: Listening intently.
- Tuned in: Fully engaged or connected to what is being communicated.
- Keen as mustard: Extremely enthusiastic or eager, derived from British slang.
Antonyms
- Turn a deaf ear: To ignore or refuse to listen.
- Tune out: To stop paying attention.
Humor-filled Quotes
- “I’m all ears. Well, except for the parts that aren’t mostly appendages.”
- “Being all ears is great, until your headphones don’t fit.”
- “I’m all ears—makes me a hit at the audiologists.”
Proverbs and Common Expressions
- “Eavesdroppers never hear any good of themselves.”
- “The cat that listens often hears man-complaints.” - A whimsical take from an old proverb.
- “Listen or thy tongue will keep thee deaf.” - Native American Proverb.
Literature Suggestions
- Emma by Jane Austen (Anthony Trollope’s contemporary, known for charming dialogue that requires keen listening)
- Moby-Dick by Herman Melville (A tale requiring attention to its intricate details)
- The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde (Where quick-witted listening is a must)
Songs to Tune Into
- “Listen” by Beyoncé
- “I Hear You Knocking” by Dave Edmunds
- “Do You Hear What I Hear?” - Christmas staple
Movies to Enjoy
- The King’s Speech: A master lesson in listening and communication.
- The Sound of Music: Where hearing and listening play central roles in life changes.
- Pulp Fiction: With dialogues that demand you be “all ears.”
### Which of these is a well-known phrase meaning to give full attention?
- [x] All ears
- [ ] All eyes
- [ ] All minds
- [ ] All feet
> **Explanation:** "All ears" is the correct phrase, implying that someone is paying close attention to what's being said.
### Which book contains the origin of "all ears"?
- [ ] Pride and Prejudice
- [ ] Moby-Dick
- [x] Comus
- [ ] Great Expectations
> **Explanation:** The phrase is believed to have originated in John Milton’s **Comus** (1634).
### Finish the phrase: "I am all ___"
- [ ] noses
- [ ] hands
- [x] ears
- [ ] toes
> **Explanation:** The correct completion of the idiom is "I am all ears," meaning to be paying close attention.
### True or False: "All eyes" means the same as "all ears."
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** "All eyes" might imply watching intently, but doesn’t carry the same meaning as "all ears," which focuses specifically on listening.
Farewell Note from L. A. Lister
In a world cluttered with noise, may we all remain “all ears” for the voices of wisdom and wonder that make life both instructive and delightful. Happy listening!
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