fall on deaf ears — to be ignored or disregarded; to receive no attention or response
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: to be ignored or disregarded; to receive no attention or response
Pronunciation (IPA): /fɔːl ɑːn def ɪrz/
Example Sentences
- My mom's nagging about cleaning my room always falls on deaf ears.
- The environmental activist's speech fell on deaf ears at the oil company meeting.
- His romantic confession fell on deaf ears because she was wearing noise-canceling headphones.
fall on deaf ears
NOUN[/fɔːl ɑːn def ɪrz/]
to be ignored or disregarded; to receive no attention or response
to be ignored or disregarded; to receive no attention or response
Years of tearful pleas fall on deaf ears!
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This idiom has been in use since the 16th century, originating from the literal concept of speaking to someone who cannot hear, conveying the sense that communication is futile or ineffective. The expression draws from the physical reality of deafness to metaphorically describe words or pleas that go unheeded and produce no effect.
Breakdown
fall (descend, drop) + on (upon, directed at) + deaf (unable to hear) + ears (organs of hearing). The phrase combines 'fall' (suggesting descent or failure) with 'on deaf ears' (a figurative reference to someone incapable of or unwilling to listen).
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My mom's nagging about cleaning my room always falls on deaf ears.”
“The environmental activist's speech fell on deaf ears at the oil company meeting.”
“His romantic confession fell on deaf ears because she was wearing noise-canceling headphones.”
“The teacher's instructions about the exam fell on deaf ears as students were daydreaming.”
📚Related Words
Want to master 27,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.