ear to the ground, have one's

have an/(one's) ear to the ground

To listen for any indication of what is happening or will happen. A: "I'm not sure what's going to happen with this merger, so I have an ear to the ground." B: "Please let me know if you hear anything." I know Kim has her ear to the ground in case word gets out about the promotion. I have my ear to the ground, and the cops don't suspect you at all. You're good.

See also: an, ear, ground, have, to

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

ear to the ground, have one's

Also, keep one's ear to the ground. Be or remain well informed; be on the watch for new trends and information. For example, She knew she'd succeed as a reporter if she kept her ear to the ground. This graphic expression probably alludes to listening for distant hoofbeats by putting one's ear close to the ground. [Late 1800s]

See also: ear, have, to

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.