# put a bug in someone's ear

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/put-a-bug-in-someones-ear
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To make a small suggestion or give a hint that causes the listener to act.

## Examples

- I will put a bug in his ear about the party.
- I put a bug in my manager's ear that we need more help on this project.
- She quietly put a bug in the director's ear regarding the potential benefits of the new policy, hoping he would consider it for the upcoming board meeting.

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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.