Go in one ear and out the other

Pro Tip 1/3

Nonliteral Phrase

Understand that this phrase is not meant to be taken literally, it's an idiomatic expression.

Even after explaining the math problem, it seemed to go in one ear and out the other.

Pro Tip 2/3

Selective Attention

Use it when someone is not focused on the message and they ignore it.

During safety training, his questions about breaks made it clear the instructions went in one ear and out the other.

Pro Tip 3/3

Inattentiveness Consequence

Implies that the listener won't act on or remember the information due to a lack of focus.

I reminded you to buy milk, but it must have gone in one ear and out the other.