prick up one's ears
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Listen carefully, pay close attention, as in When she heard them mention her boyfriend she pricked up her ears. This term alludes to horses raising their ears at a sudden noise. [Late 1500s]
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Words nearby prick up one's ears
prickly pear, prickly poppy, prick-post, prick song, prickspur, prick up one's ears, pricky, pricy, pride, pride and joy, Pride and Prejudice
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
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