With a flea in your ear

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idiom, phrase

To be scolded or told off, usually driven away or rejected.

After I made a mistake at work, my boss sent me home with a flea in my ear.
Visual representation of "with a flea in your ear" - To be scolded or told off, usually driven away or rejected

Often appears as...

  • sent home with a flea in your ear
  • left with a flea in your ear

Usage tips

Colloquial

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "with a flea in your ear"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Rejection Feeling

The phrase can imply feeling unwelcome after being reprimanded or criticized.

Illustration for Rejection Feeling
He told her off and she stormed out with a flea in her ear.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Intensity Varies

Severity of scolding can affect the emotion behind having a 'flea in your ear'.

Illustration for Intensity Varies
The coach's harsh words left the team with a flea in their ears.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Dismissive Tone

Often used when someone is disregarded or brushed off abruptly.

Illustration for Dismissive Tone
Dismissed early, the assistant wandered off with a flea in his ear.
Visual representation of the word "With a flea in your ear"

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