# have one's ears pinned back

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/have-ones-ears-pinned-back
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To be strongly scolded, reprimanded or admonished.

## Examples

- The boss had his ears pinned back for being late again.
- 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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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.