Phrases & IdiomsIdiom guide
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
Canonical Formbe all ears
Core Meaningto be waiting eagerly and attentively to hear something
Further guidance
Current Meaning
to be waiting eagerly and attentively to hear something
History Boundary
This guide establishes present-day form and meaning and does not assert an exact inventor, coinage, or first printed use.
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