ENGLISH
REFERENCE

beat someone round the ears

idiom
Meaning

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


Examples
SIMPLE

The angry man threatened to beat him round the ears.

CONTEXTUAL

If you keep making such foolish mistakes, the boss will surely beat you round the ears.

COMPLEX

The old sailor swore that if the boy touched his equipment again, he would beat him round the ears for his insolence.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    albatross round one's neck

    Alternative form of albatross around one's neck.

  2. 02

    all ears

    Listening intently; fully focused.

  3. 03

    all eyes and ears

    Very attentive.

  4. 04

    are your ears burning

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

  5. 05

    as if someone owns the place

    Alternative form of like someone owns the place.

  6. 06

    ask round

    To enquire of several people.

  7. 07

    beat a dead horse

    To persist or continue far beyond any purpose, interest or reason.

  8. 08

    beat a retreat

    To leave hastily in the face of opposition.

© 2026 English Reference