“All Ears” Meaning, Origin and Examples

You might hear the term all ears being used in day to day conversation on many occasions but what is the meaning of this term? We are going to find this out as well as looking at some examples of how it can be used. We will also look at where the phrase came from in the first place.

“All Ears” Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

• The phrase “all ears” means that someone is giving their full attention and is ready to listen carefully. It implies that the listener is fully focused and interested in what the speaker has to say.

All Ears Meaning

The phrase “all ears” means that someone is fully attentive and ready to listen. It conveys a sense of eagerness or willingness to hear what someone else has to say. When someone says they are “all ears,” it typically indicates that they are focused and interested in the conversation.

Examples:

• “I just got a new idea for the project. I’m all ears if you want to share!”
• “When the teacher started explaining the new topic, the students were all ears.”

Origin of this phrase

The phrase “all ears” has an unclear but interesting origin, with its usage dating back to at least the early 19th century. Here’s a brief overview of its background:

Historical Background:

• Ear as a Symbol: The phrase likely derives from the notion of being attentive and ready to listen. Ears are the organs of hearing, and saying someone is “all ears” conveys that they are fully engaged and focused on what is being communicated.
• Early Usage: The earliest recorded use of “all ears” in print appears in the 19th century, specifically in the year 1835. Over time, the phrase became more popular and was used in various contexts to indicate a willingness to listen.
• Common Usage: The idiom has since become a common expression in English, used in both casual and formal contexts to signify that someone is paying close attention or is eager to hear what someone has to say.

Usage of “All Ears”

• Showing interest in a conversation:

“You said you had a big announcement? I’m all ears!”

• In a work setting:

“If you have any suggestions to improve the project, I’m all ears.”

• Talking with friends:

“Tell me everything about your trip. I’m all ears!”

• In a classroom or meeting:

“When the teacher started explaining the assignment, the students were all ears.”

Related Terms to “All Ears”

• Listening intently – paying close attention to what someone is saying.
• All attention – fully focused and concentrated on something.
• Eager to listen – showing enthusiasm or willingness to hear what someone has to say.
• All yours – indicating that someone is ready to hear or take in what you have to say.
• Ready to listen – being prepared and open to hearing someone out.
• Focused – giving full attention to a particular task or conversation.
• In rapt attention – being completely absorbed and attentive to what is being said.
• Hanging on every word – listening very closely and with great interest.
• Paying close attention – being mindful and attentive to details in a conversation.
• Give me your ear – a phrase used to request someone’s attention for listening.

Other Ways to Say the Idiom

There are other ways in which you might express the meaning of the phrase all ears, let’s take a look at some of these now.

• You have my undivided attention
• Listening completely
• Eager to hear something
• Listening carefully
• Paying attention

“All Ears” Examples

Examples in Statements

We are now going to look at some examples of sentences in which the term all ears might appear.

The first statement is being made by a doctor.

• OK, tell me what the problem is, I’m all ears.

The next sentence is one being said by a mother to her daughter.

• I know you have had problems lately and I’ve been busy but now I’m all ears, so tell me all about it.

Conversation Examples

The phrase all ears might be heard in many different conversations, we will now look at some examples of how it might sound.

The first conversation is one which is happening between two friends.

• Person 1: “I really need to tell you what happened at work today.”
• Person 2: “OK, just let me write this email and then I’ll be all ears.”

The next conversation is taking place between two people in the workplace.”

• Person 1: “I’m really struggling with this, can you help me?”
• Person 2: “Yes, let me explain.”
• Person 1: “OK, I’m all ears.”

Other examples:

• I will be all ears for people who have requests and feedback about absolutely anything.
• The children were all ears when Granny told them stories.
• Everyone was all ears as soon as I mentioned a cash prize.