All Ears
“Be all ears” means to be waiting eagerly to hear something. It is an idiomatic way to signal attentive interest, not a literal reference to hearing ability.
If someone says “I’m all ears,” they mean they are ready and eager to listen.
Key details
Further guidance
Current Meaning
to be waiting eagerly and attentively to hear something
Example Contexts
“You said you had an idea—I’m all ears.” The speaker signals full attention.
“Tell us what happened; we’re all ears.” The plural subject takes “we’re,” while the idiom stays unchanged.
Grammar Pattern
The common pattern is “I’m/We’re all ears,” usually said just before or while inviting someone to speak.
History Boundary
This guide establishes present-day form and meaning and does not assert an exact inventor, coinage, or first printed use.
Tone Boundary
It is friendly and informal. In highly formal writing, a direct phrase such as “I’m ready to listen” may fit better.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- BE ALL EARS — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Current idiom meaning: waiting eagerly to hear something