The boss had his ears pinned back for being late again.
have one's ears pinned back
idiomTo be strongly scolded, reprimanded or admonished.
After the team failed to meet the deadline, the manager had his ears pinned back by the director.
Following the disastrous public relations error, the junior executive had his ears pinned back by the board of directors during a tense disciplinary hearing.
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abound in one's own sense
To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.
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ace up one's sleeve
A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.
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act one's age
To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.
- 04
act one's age, not one's shoe size
Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).
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afraid of one's own shadow
Exceptionally timid.
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air one's dirty laundry in public
To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.
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air one's dirty linen in public
Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.
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albatross around one's neck
A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.
Last updated July 12, 2026