a flea in your ear

a flea in (one's) ear

A sharp, strident, or disconcerting reproof or rebuff. She gave me a flea in my ear over my spending habits. I'll be sure to put a flea in his ear the next time I see him!

See also: ear, flea

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

a flea in your ear

a sharp reproof.

Formerly a flea in your ear also meant something that agitates or alarms you, as does the French phrase avoir la puce à l'oreille . Nowadays, it is often found in the phrases give someone a flea in the ear or send someone away with a flea in their ear .

See also: ear, flea

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017