Behavior & Approach - Paying or Getting Attention

Explore English idioms that relate to paying or getting attention with examples like "be all ears" and "take the stage".

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to [catch] {one's} eye [phrase]

to attract the attention of a person

Ex: The vibrant colors of the artwork in the gallery really caught my eye .

to [hear] a pin drop [phrase]

to be able to hear even the quietest of sounds due to the environment being extremely silent

Ex: As the actor delivered the powerful monologue on stage , you could have heard a pin drop in the audience .

to [strut] {one's} stuff [phrase]

to confidently put one's best skills, abilities, or features on display in order to impress or show off

Ex: I swear these dogs know they 're being judged — look how they strut their stuff !

[be] all ears [phrase]

to be eager to hear what a person wants to say

Ex: I 'm all ears , please tell me what happened during your trip .

to [be] glued to {sth} [phrase]

to give a thing one's full attention

Ex: We were glued to the television watching the election results come in .

eagle eye [noun]

the skill to notice details and make great observations

Ex: The detective 's eagle eye spotted a small clue that led to a breakthrough in the case .

to [keep] {one's} eyes (peeled|open|skinned) [phrase]

to be careful to notice a thing or person

Ex: While patrolling the premises , the security guard keeps his eyes peeled for any unusual activity .

to [keep|have] {one's} ear (close|) to the ground [phrase]

to make an effort to stay well informed on the developments or changes of a situation

Ex: In the world of business , successful entrepreneurs keep their ear to the ground , tracking market trends and consumer preferences .

to [lend] {sb} {one's} [ear] [phrase]

to listen to a person or thing in an attentive or sympathetic way

Ex:

to [perk|prick] (up|) {one's} ears [phrase]

to hear something interesting and start to listen to it carefully

Ex: I ca n't help but prick up my ears if I hear someone say my name — even if they are n't talking about me .

to [pin] back {one's} ears [phrase]

to pay attention to something that is being said

Ex:

to [take] the stage [phrase]

to attract the attention of other people, often in a way that causes other people or things less noticeable

Ex: The rockstar took the stage and started playing his guitar , electrifying the crowd with his music .

to [keep|maintain] a low profile [phrase]

to behave in a way that does not draw attention to one

Ex: Maintaining a low profile has never been Maggie 's strongest suit .

to [prick] up {one's} ears [phrase]

to begin listening eagerly and intentively

Ex: During the dinner party , I pricked up my ears when I overheard a discussion about a topic I 'm passionate about .

Behavior & Approach
Foresight & Prudence	Overreaction	Tact	Being Tactful
Improvisation & Compromise	Behaving Politely	Lack of Care or Consideration	Without Care or Thought
Reacting or Demanding	Conversational Responses	Showing Surprise	Paying or Getting Attention
Not Paying Attention	Offensive Behavior	Reaction & Response	Jealousy & Competition
Harsh & Strict Treatment