Flea in one's ear, a definitions
| Word backwards | aelf ni s'eno ,rae a |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | Noun |
| Syllabic division | flea / in / one's / ear, / a |
| Plural | The plural of "flea in one's ear" is "fleas in one's ear." |
| Total letters | 14 |
| Vogais (4) | e,a,i,o |
| Consonants (5) | f,l,n,s,r |
Have you ever heard the phrase "a flea in one's ear"? This idiom refers to a feeling of unease or agitation, often caused by a nagging doubt or suspicion. The expression originates from the sensation of having a flea buzzing around inside one's ear, causing irritation and discomfort.
Origin of the Phrase
The phrase "a flea in one's ear" has its roots in French literature. It first appeared in a 17th-century play by Molière, where a character receives a mysterious message with the advice to "put a flea in his ear." The phrase caught on in English-speaking countries and has since been used to describe a sense of anxiety or perplexity.
Meaning of the Phrase
When someone says they have "a flea in their ear," they are expressing a feeling of being bothered or unsettled by something. This could be a suspicion, a worry, or a doubt that keeps gnawing at them, much like a pesky flea buzzing around inside their ear.
Use in Everyday Language
The phrase "a flea in one's ear" is commonly used in everyday language to describe a state of unease or disquiet. It can be applied to various situations, from a nagging thought that won't go away to a sense of foreboding about a particular event or outcome.
Next time you hear someone mention having "a flea in their ear," you'll know that they are experiencing a sense of agitation or worry. It's a vivid expression that captures the feeling of being disturbed by something that just won't leave you alone.
Flea in one's ear, a Examples
- I can't believe he fell for that story, it was just a flea in his ear.
- She always has a flea in her ear about getting a promotion.
- After hearing that rumor, John couldn't shake the flea in his ear about his friend's loyalty.
- The politician planted a flea in the journalist's ear to sway public opinion.
- The coach put a flea in the player's ear about stepping up their game.
- After the meeting, Sarah couldn't ignore the flea in her ear about potential layoffs.
- The motivational speaker's words put a flea in the audience's ear about chasing their dreams.
- The mysterious phone call left a flea in Max's ear about his girlfriend's whereabouts.
- The teacher's warning about the upcoming test was a flea in the students' ears.
- The psychic's prediction planted a flea in the woman's ear about her future.