keep your ears peeled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep your ears peeled" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
It is often used informally and colloquially, and should be used sparingly in formal writing. Example: "As we walked through the busy market, I reminded my friend to keep her ears peeled for any good deals on fresh produce."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

If you keep your ears peeled, you'll be rewarded by passages that confirm Mr. Mamet's enduring fascination with language as a shield and weapon.

The New York Times

So keep your ears peeled and your eyes close to the ground for anymore audio visual blunders and then send them to [email protected], marking them If You Can't Talk Proper Shut Your Maaaf.

The Guardian - Sport

Keep your ears peeled every Friday at 6 am ET for the next episode of the show.

TechCrunch

Feel free to join in the conversation on Twitter using the #equitypod hashtag, and keep your ears peeled every Friday at 6 am EST for the next episode of the show.

TechCrunch

Keep your ears peeled for the rumored sequel!

Vice

Keep your ears peeled for the rap breakdown about two thirds of the way through.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Stream the new remix above and keep your ears and eyes peeled for Artisan Loyalist's new LP released on Sky Council Recordings. .

Vice

So keep your ears open.

The New York Times

Keep your ears tuned.

Huffington Post

Keep your ears dry.

WikiHow

Keep your ears open.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When including markdown formatting in content fields, ALWAYS wrap the main query in quotation marks ("keep your ears peeled") and render in bold.

Common error

Avoid using "keep your ears peeled" in formal writing or professional settings. Opt for more professional alternatives like "remain attentive" or "stay informed" to maintain a serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic phrase "keep your ears peeled" functions as an imperative, urging someone to pay close attention to what they hear. It is a call to be vigilant and attentive, as Ludwig's examples confirm.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Reference

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep your ears peeled" is a common idiomatic phrase that means to listen attentively. It's grammatically correct and primarily used in informal contexts, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. While versatile, it's best to avoid it in formal or professional settings. Semantically related alternatives include "listen carefully" and "pay attention". Remember to use it judiciously, considering your audience and the setting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

listen carefully

Highlights the importance of focused listening, not general awareness.

be on the lookout

Implies actively searching for something specific.

keep an eye out

Suggests watching for something visually.

pay attention

Direct instruction to focus, lacks the sense of anticipation.

stay tuned

Implies awaiting further updates or information.

be attentive

General suggestion to be observant, less idiomatic.

stay alert

Focuses on maintaining a state of readiness.

watch out

Suggests potential danger or negative consequences.

be vigilant

Emphasizes careful and alert watchfulness.

be on your guard

Focuses on being prepared for potential threats or challenges.

FAQs

What does "keep your ears peeled" mean?

The phrase "keep your ears peeled" means to listen attentively for something specific. It implies paying close attention to hear any relevant information or news.

Is it "keep your ears peeled" or "keep your eyes peeled"?

"Keep your ears peeled" emphasizes listening, while "keep your eyes peeled" emphasizes watching. The choice depends on whether you want someone to listen or watch carefully.

What can I say instead of "keep your ears peeled"?

Alternatives include "listen carefully", "pay attention", or "stay alert", depending on the specific context and level of formality required.

When is it appropriate to use "keep your ears peeled"?

It's suitable in informal conversations, casual writing, or when giving advice to friends or family. Avoid using it in formal reports or professional communications.