TO SEND AWAY WITH A FLEA IN THE EAR, verb. phr. (common).—To dismiss peremptorily and with a scolding. Fr., mettre la puce à l’oreille = to get angry.
1796. J. G. HOLMAN, Abroad and at Home, ii., 1. I could not think of Miss Hartley being troubled with such a brute of a fellow … so, an’t please you, my lady, I SENT HIM AWAY WITH A FLEA IN HIS EAR.
1841. The Comic Almanack, p. 280. One thing is very clear, If they ain’t off of their own accord, the Lord Mayor will soon HELP ’EM OFF WITH A FLEA IN THEIR EAR.
1884. HAWLEY SMART, From Post to Finish, p. 202. Her husband had with difficulty restrained her from SENDING FORREST AWAY WITH what in homely language is denominated A FLEA IN HIS EAR.
TO BITE THE EAR.—See BITE and BREAK SHINS.
TO GET UP ON ONE’S EAR, verb. phr. (American).—To bestir oneself; to rouse oneself for an effort.
18[?]. F. OLIVE, Words and Their Uses.
| They called me ‘Bully boy!’ although I’ve seen nigh three-score year; | |
| And said that I was ‘lightning’ when I ‘GOT UP ON MY EAR!’ |
1888. Puck’s Library, May, p. 15. A man who walked ON HIS EAR out of a store said ‘he came out on the Erie route.’
