A1 Idiom ニュートラル

Держать ухо востро

держать ухо востро

Keep an ear sharp

意味

To be alert and vigilant.

🌍

文化的背景

In Russian fairy tales, animals like the Hare or the Fox are often described as having 'ушки на макушке' or 'держать ухо востро' to survive the Wolf or the Bear. The 1990s in Russia were a time of great economic chaos. This idiom became a staple of business language as a way to say 'don't get scammed.' Russians often use this phrase when traveling abroad to remind each other to watch out for pickpockets in tourist areas. With the rise of phone scams in Russia (fake bank calls), the phrase is frequently used in public service announcements.

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Use the Imperative

The most natural way to use this is as a command to a friend: 'Держи ухо востро!'

⚠️

Singular Only

Never say 'уши' (plural) unless you want to sound like a textbook from the 1950s.

意味

To be alert and vigilant.

💡

Use the Imperative

The most natural way to use this is as a command to a friend: 'Держи ухо востро!'

⚠️

Singular Only

Never say 'уши' (plural) unless you want to sound like a textbook from the 1950s.

🎯

Preposition 'С'

Always use 'с' + Instrumental case for the person you are wary of: 'Держи ухо востро с ним (with him).'

自分をテスト

Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.

В этом районе города всегда нужно держать ___ ___.

✓ 正解! ✗ おしい! 正解: ухо востро

The idiom is fixed as 'ухо востро' (singular ear, archaic 'vostro').

Which situation best fits the phrase 'держать ухо востро'?

Выберите ситуацию:

✓ 正解! ✗ おしい! 正解: Вы покупаете биткоины у незнакомца.

This situation involves risk and potential deception, requiring high vigilance.

What should the second speaker say?

— Этот контракт выглядит слишком выгодным. — Согласен, нам нужно...

✓ 正解! ✗ おしい! 正解: держать ухо востро.

The context of a 'too good' contract requires caution.

🎉 スコア: /3

ビジュアル学習ツール

練習問題バンク

3 問題
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom. Fill Blank A1

В этом районе города всегда нужно держать ___ ___.

✓ 正解! ✗ おしい! 正解: ухо востро

The idiom is fixed as 'ухо востро' (singular ear, archaic 'vostro').

Which situation best fits the phrase 'держать ухо востро'? Choose A2

Выберите ситуацию:

✓ 正解! ✗ おしい! 正解: Вы покупаете биткоины у незнакомца.

This situation involves risk and potential deception, requiring high vigilance.

What should the second speaker say? dialogue_completion B1

— Этот контракт выглядит слишком выгодным. — Согласен, нам нужно...

✓ 正解! ✗ おしい! 正解: держать ухо востро.

The context of a 'too good' contract requires caution.

🎉 スコア: /3

よくある質問

10 問

It's an archaic form of 'остро' (sharply). You won't see it used outside of this idiom in modern Russian.

Yes, it's neutral enough. You might say, 'Нам нужно держать ухо востро с конкурентами.'

It's more specific. 'Be careful' (будь осторожен) is general. 'Держать ухо востро' implies you are looking for a specific trick or danger.

Idioms are often illogical! But think of it as focusing your attention into one sharp point.

No, it's a standard idiom. It's used in literature, news, and daily speech.

The opposite would be 'развесить уши' (to hang one's ears), which means to be naive and believe everything you hear.

Yes, like walking in a dark alley or hiking in a forest with bears.

Stress the last O: va-STRO.

Very common, especially in detective or crime movies.

No, that's incorrect. For eyes, use 'глядеть в оба'.

関連フレーズ

🔗

Глядеть в оба

similar

To watch very carefully.

🔄

Быть начеку

synonym

To be on the alert.

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Ушки на макушке

similar

To listen very intently.

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Вострить лыжи

contrast

To prepare to run away.

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