keep one's ears open
to listen for important information.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Keep your ears open for news about the party.”
“I am looking for a new apartment, so please keep your ears open for any cheap rentals.”
“The detective advised his team to keep their ears open for any rumors circulating in the city regarding the suspect's whereabouts.”
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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.
- 03
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 August 10, 2026