# set by the ears

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/set-by-the-ears
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To make (a person or persons) argue; to set quarrelling.

## Examples

- His rude comments set the neighbors by the ears.
- The controversial new policy set the entire department by the ears, leading to heated arguments during the meeting.
- The sudden announcement regarding the inheritance set the extended family by the ears, effectively destroying the peace they had maintained for years.

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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.