Cock an ear/eye at something/somebody
verb
To listen or look attentively or carefully.
She cocked an ear at the conversation happening in the next room.
Often appears as...
- cock an ear toward
- cock an ear to hear
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To raise or tilt in an attempt to hear or see better.
The dog cocked an ear at the sound of its owner's footsteps.
Often appears as...
- cock an ear at a sound
- cock an eye at a movement
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To listen or look attentively or carefully.
She cocked an ear at the conversation happening in the next room.
Often appears as...
- cock an ear toward
- cock an ear to hear
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To raise or tilt in an attempt to hear or see better.
The dog cocked an ear at the sound of its owner's footsteps.
Often appears as...
- cock an ear at a sound
- cock an eye at a movement
Usage tips
Idiomatic
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.
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.
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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