With half an ear
adverbial phrase
Listening or paying attention partially or without full interest.
He was listening to the lecture with half an ear while checking his phone.
Often appears as...
- listening with half an ear
- heard it with half an ear
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
adverbial phrase
Listening or paying attention partially or without full interest.
He was listening to the lecture with half an ear while checking his phone.
Often appears as...
- listening with half an ear
- heard it with half an ear
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Partial Attention
Used when someone isn't completely focused on what they're hearing or doing.
During the game, he was only listening to the commentary with half an ear.
Pro Tip 2/3Subtle Disinterest
Implies a lack of enthusiasm or a slight disregard toward the speaker or activity.
She listened to the sales pitch with half an ear, clearly uninterested in the product.
Pro Tip 3/3Multitasking Implication
Often used to suggest someone is doing another task while listening, thus splitting their attention.
He was cooking and listening to the instructions with half an ear.
Pro Tip 1/3Partial Attention
Used when someone isn't completely focused on what they're hearing or doing.
During the game, he was only listening to the commentary with half an ear.
Pro Tip 2/3Subtle Disinterest
Implies a lack of enthusiasm or a slight disregard toward the speaker or activity.
She listened to the sales pitch with half an ear, clearly uninterested in the product.
Pro Tip 3/3Multitasking Implication
Often used to suggest someone is doing another task while listening, thus splitting their attention.
He was cooking and listening to the instructions with half an ear.
Pro Tip 1/3Partial Attention
Used when someone isn't completely focused on what they're hearing or doing.
During the game, he was only listening to the commentary with half an ear.
Pro Tip 2/3Subtle Disinterest
Implies a lack of enthusiasm or a slight disregard toward the speaker or activity.
She listened to the sales pitch with half an ear, clearly uninterested in the product.
Pro Tip 3/3Multitasking Implication
Often used to suggest someone is doing another task while listening, thus splitting their attention.
He was cooking and listening to the instructions with half an ear.
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