Cock an ear/eye at something/somebody
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Active Listening
Indicates a deliberate attempt to hear something not easily audible.
In the bustling café, she cocked an ear to catch the soft music playing.
Pro Tip 2/3Subtle Interest
Suggests a discreet display of interest or curiosity about something.
He cocked an eye at the stranger's peculiar attire.
Pro Tip 3/3Idiomatic Usage
The phrase is more common in literary or descriptive contexts than in everyday speech.
The detective cocked an ear at every nuance in the suspect's story.
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