A2 Idiom ニュートラル

avere le orecchie da mercante

to turn a deaf ear

意味

Ignoring what is said.

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文化的背景

In Italy, 'furbizia' (cleverness) is often admired. Pretending not to hear is seen as a clever, non-confrontational way to avoid unwanted duties. Many linguistic scholars trace this back to the Florentine markets, where the term 'mercante' was synonymous with someone who was very shrewd and difficult to pin down. The phrase is a staple of Italian parenting. It's almost impossible to grow up in Italy without hearing a parent say this to you at least once a week. Italian newspapers frequently use this idiom to criticize the government's lack of response to social protests or economic crises.

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Use it with 'fare'

While 'avere' is correct, 'fare' sounds much more natural and active in modern Italian conversation.

⚠️

Don't be literal

If you say this to a real merchant, they might take it as a compliment on their business skills or an insult to their honesty!

意味

Ignoring what is said.

🎯

Use it with 'fare'

While 'avere' is correct, 'fare' sounds much more natural and active in modern Italian conversation.

⚠️

Don't be literal

If you say this to a real merchant, they might take it as a compliment on their business skills or an insult to their honesty!

自分をテスト

Complete the sentence with the correct preposition.

Non fare le orecchie ___ mercante!

✓ 正解! ✗ おしい! 正解: da

The idiom always uses 'da' to describe the type of ears.

Which situation best fits the idiom?

In quale situazione si usano 'le orecchie da mercante'?

✓ 正解! ✗ おしい! 正解: Quando tua madre ti dice di studiare e tu fai finta di niente.

The idiom refers to intentional ignoring, not physical hearing issues.

Complete the dialogue.

A: 'Hai chiesto a Paolo di aiutarci?' B: 'Sì, ma lui ha ______.'

✓ 正解! ✗ おしい! 正解: fatto le orecchie da mercante

The verb 'fare' (to do/make) is the standard verb for this idiom.

🎉 スコア: /3

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練習問題バンク

3 問題
Complete the sentence with the correct preposition. Fill Blank A2

Non fare le orecchie ___ mercante!

✓ 正解! ✗ おしい! 正解: da

The idiom always uses 'da' to describe the type of ears.

Which situation best fits the idiom? Choose A2

In quale situazione si usano 'le orecchie da mercante'?

✓ 正解! ✗ おしい! 正解: Quando tua madre ti dice di studiare e tu fai finta di niente.

The idiom refers to intentional ignoring, not physical hearing issues.

Complete the dialogue. dialogue_completion B1

A: 'Hai chiesto a Paolo di aiutarci?' B: 'Sì, ma lui ha ______.'

✓ 正解! ✗ おしい! 正解: fatto le orecchie da mercante

The verb 'fare' (to do/make) is the standard verb for this idiom.

🎉 スコア: /3

よくある質問

2 問

It can be a bit confrontational because you are accusing them of lying about not hearing you. Use it with friends or in a joking way.

Probably not. It's a bit too informal and implies someone is being difficult or lazy.

関連フレーズ

🔗

Sordo come una campana

similar

Deaf as a bell (completely deaf).

🔗

Fare scena muta

similar

To remain silent (especially when you should speak).

🔗

Entrare da un orecchio e uscire dall'altro

similar

In one ear and out the other.

🔗

Prendere lucciole per lanterne

contrast

To misunderstand completely.

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