PhrasesHub

Keep an ear to the ground

    Definitions

      • stay informed
        Pay attention to what is happening around you in order to stay informed about the current situation or developments

      • be alert
        Be vigilant and attentive to any potential changes or developments in a particular situation or environment

    Examples of Keep an ear to the ground

    • John's been keeping an ear to the ground lately, always the first to know about any upcoming promotions or deals in the city.

      This idiom means staying informed and aware of any new developments or happenings in a particular place or situation, especially by listening carefully to what others are saying or gossiping about. In this example, John is using his network of contacts to gather important information and stay ahead of the competition.

    • The marketing team at XYZ Corporation has been advised by their CEO to keep an ear to the ground and closely monitor the competition's strategies and plans.

      This usage demonstrates the importance of staying aware of one's competitors and the potential threats they may pose. By keeping an ear to the ground, a business can better understand its opponents' movements and develop counter-strategies if necessary.

    • Jane's been keeping an ear to the ground about the latest fashion trends, but she's decided to stick to her classic style that makes her feel confident and comfortable.

      This illustration highlights the fact that while staying informed is valuable, it's equally important to stick to one's own values and preferences. Jane is using her knowledge to enhance her personal style rather than blindly following every new trend.

    • The real estate agent has been keeping an ear to the ground about any potential investors or buyers in the area, looking for the perfect match for her client's property.

      This application shows how staying informed helps professionals in their line of work to better serve their clients. By actively seeking out potential buyers or investors, the real estate agent can provide her client with a wide range of options and help them make an informed decision.

    • Mary was trying to win the contract for her company, and she heard that the client was considering other bids as well. She wanted to stay updated with any new developments, so she decided to keep an ear to the ground.

      The idiom "keep an ear to the ground" means to stay informed about what is happening around you, especially about potential opportunities or threats. Mary wanted to stay ahead of the competition and win the contract, so she actively listened for any new information about the client's decision-making process. She made a conscious effort to pay attention to her surroundings and pick up any clues that might help her strategy. This idiom is often used in a business or competitive context, where staying informed and alert is crucial to success.

    • Jane wants to start a new business, but she's not quite sure where to begin. She's heard about a potential opportunity in the market, but she's not completely convinced. To stay informed and be proactive, Jane decides to keep an ear to the ground for any new developments or insider information that could help her make a decision.

      The idiom "keep an ear to the ground" means to stay informed and alert about possible opportunities, threats, or developments in a particular field or industry. In this context, Jane is actively seeking out information that could help her make a smart business decision. By keeping her "ear to the ground," she's better positioned to spot emerging trends, potential threats, or new opportunities before they become widely known or publicly announced. This gives her a competitive edge and allows her to make informed decisions that could ultimately benefit her business.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "keep an ear to the ground" is used to advise someone to stay informed and alert by paying attention to their surroundings. It can be used in various contexts, such as in business, politics, or even in personal relationships, to emphasize the importance of staying aware of what is happening around you in order to make informed decisions and be prepared for any potential changes or developments.

    When someone tells you to "keep an ear to the ground," they are essentially advising you to stay alert and informed about the current situation or any potential changes that may occur. It's a way of emphasizing the importance of staying vigilant and being aware of what is happening around you in order to make informed decisions.

    Origin of "Keep an ear to the ground"

    The origin of the idiom "keep an ear to the ground" can be traced back to Native American hunting techniques. Native Americans would place their ear to the ground to listen for the vibrations of approaching animals, allowing them to stay alert and prepared for any potential danger or opportunities for hunting. Over time, this practice became a metaphor for staying informed and being attentive to one's surroundings. The idiom has since become a common phrase used in English to emphasize the importance of staying alert and informed about current events and potential developments.

    Examples of usage of this idiom can be found in literature and everyday conversations. For example, a manager might advise their team to "keep an ear to the ground" regarding industry news and developments in order to stay ahead of the competition. Similarly, a friend might tell another to "keep an ear to the ground" about a potential job opportunity or upcoming event.