뜻
Listening very attentively and eagerly to what someone is saying.
문화적 배경
In the US, being 'all ears' is often accompanied by making eye contact and putting away your phone. It's a sign of respect for the speaker's time. British speakers use this frequently in casual settings. It can sometimes be used with a bit of 'understatement'—even if the news is huge, they might just say 'I'm all ears' quite calmly. While the idiom isn't native, the concept of 'active listening' is huge. However, Japanese learners should be careful not to use it with a superior (like a CEO) as it might be too casual. On platforms like X (Twitter) or Discord, people use the ear emoji 👂 to mean 'I'm all ears' or 'I'm listening for the gossip.'
Use it to show enthusiasm
It's much more energetic than 'I'm listening.' Use it when you really want to hear the news!
Don't use it for sad news
If someone says 'I have some bad news,' saying 'I'm all ears' might sound too excited. Use 'I'm listening' instead.
뜻
Listening very attentively and eagerly to what someone is saying.
Use it to show enthusiasm
It's much more energetic than 'I'm listening.' Use it when you really want to hear the news!
Don't use it for sad news
If someone says 'I have some bad news,' saying 'I'm all ears' might sound too excited. Use 'I'm listening' instead.
The 'I'm' is optional but common
You can just say 'All ears!' as a quick response when someone asks 'Can I tell you something?'
셀프 테스트
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
If you have a secret to tell me, I ___ ___ ears!
We use 'am' (verb to be) and 'all' (not one) for this idiom.
Which situation is best for using 'I'm all ears'?
Your friend says they have a funny story from their vacation.
'I'm all ears' is the correct idiom for showing interest in a story.
Fill in the missing line in the dialogue.
A: 'I think I know how to fix the computer.' B: 'Really? _________'
Listening to a solution requires your ears!
Match the phrase to the meaning.
Match 'All ears' with its meaning:
The idiom specifically refers to the act of attentive listening.
🎉 점수: /4
시각 학습 자료
When to be All Ears
Social
- • Gossip
- • Secrets
- • Stories
Work
- • Ideas
- • Feedback
- • Plans
연습 문제 은행
4 연습 문제If you have a secret to tell me, I ___ ___ ears!
We use 'am' (verb to be) and 'all' (not one) for this idiom.
Your friend says they have a funny story from their vacation.
'I'm all ears' is the correct idiom for showing interest in a story.
A: 'I think I know how to fix the computer.' B: 'Really? _________'
Listening to a solution requires your ears!
Match 'All ears' with its meaning:
The idiom specifically refers to the act of attentive listening.
🎉 점수: /4
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문Yes! If a group of people is waiting to hear something, 'We are all ears' is perfectly correct.
It is friendly and informal. It's not rude, but don't use it in a very formal speech or a funeral.
'Listening' is a general action. 'All ears' is an idiom that means you are giving 100% of your attention and are eager to hear.
Yes, in a casual or semi-formal email to a colleague. For example: 'If you have any ideas for the party, I'm all ears!'
In modern English, it is always 'all ears' (plural).
No, it is figurative. It means your *attention* is focused on hearing.
Yes, 'I'm all eyes' means you are watching very carefully, but it is much less common than 'all ears.'
It's an idiom, which is a bit different from slang. It's widely understood by all ages and is not 'cool' or 'edgy,' just natural.
Yes, if you have a friendly relationship. It shows you are interested in their ideas.
Then don't use 'all ears'! This phrase implies full, eager attention.
관련 표현
Lend an ear
similarTo listen to someone, usually with sympathy.
All eyes and ears
builds onWatching and listening very carefully.
Pin back your ears
similarTo listen very carefully (UK informal).
Fall on deaf ears
contrastTo be ignored.
