# tickle the ear

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/tickle-the-ear
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To flatter someone.

## Examples

- He tries to tickle the ear of his boss with compliments.
- The politician knows exactly how to tickle the ear of the voters during his campaign speeches.
- The advisor sought to tickle the ear of the king with pleasant promises, hoping to secure his position at court.

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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.