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pin one's ears back

British informal phrase meaning to listen very attentively or carefully, as if physically pinning one's ears back to catch every sound.

ˈpɪn ˈwʌnz ˈɪɹz ˈbæk55 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
🇬🇧 British & Irish slang
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#1·Apr 28, 2026UK

British informal phrase meaning to listen very attentively or carefully, as if physically pinning one's ears back to catch every sound. The image suggests active, focused listening rather than passive hearing. Used colloquially to encourage someone to pay close attention to what is about to be said.

Origin: From the image of an animal flattening its ears to better direct its hearing; used figuratively for attentive listening. Editorial expansion authored on Slangora.
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UK
#2·Apr 27, 2026UK

(UK, informal) To listen attentively.

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UK and Irish slang — Cockney, Scouse, Geordie, Yorkshire, Glaswegian, Brummie, Welsh, West Country, plus Irish English. Centuries of regional dialects feeding into modern British and Irish street talk.

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