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all eyes and ears

idiom
Meaning

Very attentive.


Origin

disputed origin

Calque of French tout yeux, tout oreilles; originally found only in translations of French works. Compare all eyes, all ears.

Examples
SIMPLE

I am all eyes and ears for your story.

CONTEXTUAL

The students were all eyes and ears as the teacher explained the final exam requirements.

COMPLEX

As the director began to outline the new strategy, the entire board sat forward, all eyes and ears for the impending changes.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    all ears

    Listening intently; fully focused.

  2. 02

    all eyes

    Watching alertly or attentively.

  3. 03

    are your ears burning

    Asked of somebody who was not present but was the topic of discussion.

  4. 04

    babies in the eyes

    The minute reflection which one sees of oneself in the eyes of another.

  5. 05

    bat one's eyes

    To signal or feign by fluttering one's eyelids, as romantic interest.

  6. 06

    bawl one's eyes out

    To cry, shed tears, weep loudly.

  7. 07

    beat someone round the ears

    To beat (a person) with blows about the head.

  8. 08

    believe one's ears

    To believe that something which one hears is truly the case.

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