To use "all ears" in a sentence means you are indicating that you are ready and eager to listen attentively. It's a common idiom used to show someone you are giving them your full attention.
Understanding the Idiom "All Ears"
The idiom "all ears" signifies that a person is giving their complete and undivided attention to someone who is about to speak. It expresses readiness and keenness to hear what is being said.
Examples of Using "All Ears"
The most direct way to use "all ears" is as a predicate adjective following a form of the verb "to be" (like am, is, are, was, were).
Here's an example directly from the reference provided:
- Reference Example: As seen in the video snippet, when news is about to be shared, one person says, "I'm all ears." This clearly shows they are ready and waiting to hear the news.
Here are more examples illustrating its use in different contexts:
- When the teacher announced there would be a special story, all the children were all ears.
- "Tell me about your trip!" she said excitedly, "I'm all ears."
- The team went quiet, all ears for the coach's strategy.
- If you have any suggestions for the project, come find me – I'll be all ears.
Practical Usage Insights
- It's primarily used in informal or semi-formal communication.
- It's often used to encourage someone to speak, showing you are genuinely interested in what they have to say.
- It emphasizes focused listening.
Here is a simple table illustrating common uses:
| Subject | Verb | Idiom | Context | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | am | all ears | When someone has news or information. | I am ready and want to hear. |
| He/She | is | all ears | When someone is about to confess. | He/She is listening intently. |
| We/They | are | all ears | When waiting for instructions. | We/They are waiting to hear details. |
Using "all ears" is a polite and clear way to signal your readiness to listen intently.
