Idioms are like secret codes or special phrases that help us express our ideas in a fun way. They use words to paint a picture in our minds, making our language colorful and interesting. Today, let’s explore some common idioms that are easy to understand and use, especially for those who are deaf or hard of hearing. Each idiom will be explained with its meaning and an example so you can start using them in your conversations!
Deaf Idioms
Here are 20 deaf idioms in English with meaning and example sentence for each.
1. Hear it on the grapevine
Meaning: Learn news from informal sources
Example: I heard on the grapevine that she won the award.
2. Music to my ears
Meaning: News that one is happy to hear
Example: Your praise is music to my ears.
3. All ears
Meaning: Fully listening
Example: Go ahead, I’m all ears.
4. Lend me your ear
Meaning: Listen to me
Example: Please lend me your ear, it’s important.
5. Play it by ear
Meaning: Decide on the spot
Example: We’ll play it by ear at the meeting.
6. Deaf to the world
Meaning: Ignoring surroundings
Example: He was deaf to the world with his new book.
7. Turn a deaf ear
Meaning: Ignore deliberately
Example: They turned a deaf ear to the warnings.
8. Unheard of
Meaning: Not known or usual
Example: Such kindness is unheard of!
9. Falling on deaf ears
Meaning: Ignored, not considered
Example: My advice fell on deaf ears.
10. Earful
Meaning: A lot of information
Example: She gave me an earful yesterday.
11. Ear to the ground
Meaning: Stay informed
Example: Keep your ear to the ground for news.
12. Ring a bell
Meaning: Sound familiar
Example: Does that name ring a bell?
13. Clear as a bell
Meaning: Very clear
Example: His directions were clear as a bell.
14. Deafening silence
Meaning: A significant silence
Example: The room fell into a deafening silence.
15. Word of mouth
Meaning: Information spread by speaking
Example: It’s popular by word of mouth.
16. Voice an opinion
Meaning: Express a thought
Example: He voiced an opinion on the matter.
17. Give someone an earful
Meaning: Scold or criticize
Example: She gave him an earful for being late.
18. Not hear the end of it
Meaning: Continuously reminded
Example: I’ll never hear the end of this mistake.
19. Silence speaks louder than words
Meaning: Non-verbal signals are significant
Example: His silence spoke louder than words.
20. Mouthpiece
Meaning: Spokesperson
Example: He’s the official mouthpiece for the group.
