ENGLISH
REFERENCE

talk someone's ear off

idiom
Meaning

To talk to someone excessively, or far more than is wanted or appreciated.


Examples
SIMPLE

My neighbor always talks my ear off about his garden.

CONTEXTUAL

I tried to leave the party early, but my coworker cornered me and talked my ear off for an hour.

COMPLEX

Although I was eager to finish my book, the persistent stranger on the train talked my ear off about his life story until we reached the final station.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    all ears

    Listening intently; fully focused.

  2. 02

    all eyes and ears

    Very attentive.

  3. 03

    all talk and no cider

    All talk and no results.

  4. 04

    another nail in someone's coffin

    An event that increases the likelihood of or causes further failure.

  5. 05

    answer someone's prayers

    To be or do exactly what someone has been wishing or asking for.

  6. 06

    answer to someone's prayers

    Exactly what someone has been wishing or asking for.

  7. 07

    apple of someone's eye

    The object of somebody's affections; a person (or sometimes a thing) that someone strongly prefers; a favorite, a loved one.

  8. 08

    are your ears burning

    Asked of somebody who was not present but was the topic of discussion.

Last updated July 12, 2026