Idiom
fall on deaf ears
Meanings
To be ignored or not taken seriously by the people you are speaking to.
Definition
If something falls on deaf ears, people do not listen to it or take it seriously.
When something falls on deaf ears, your words, warnings, or requests are ignored. The listener may hear you, but they choose not to respond or act. It often suggests frustration because repeated efforts do not change anyone’s behavior.
Examples
- My warnings about the deadline fell on deaf ears.
- Her request for more staff fell on deaf ears at the meeting.
- His apology fell on deaf ears after he lied again.
- The coach’s advice fell on deaf ears during practice.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes say "fall to deaf ears" or "fall on death ears" instead of "fall on deaf ears."
More at B2 level
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share updates, confirm plans, or check progress.
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to mock someone or tease them in an unkind or cheeky way.
- cheap as chips Very cheap; costing very little money.
More idioms
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- close but no cigar Used to say someone almost succeeded but did not quite achieve the goal.
- down to the wire Used to say something is decided or finished only at the last possible moment.
- lost the plot To become confused or behave in a way that no longer makes sense.
- ducks in a row To have everything organized and ready for action.