flea in one's ear

phrase

: rebuke
sent him away with a flea in his ear

Word History

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of flea in one's ear was in 1577

Rhymes for flea in one's ear

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Browse Nearby Words

fleahopper
flea in one's ear
flea market
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Flea in one's ear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flea%20in%20one%27s%20ear. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Definition revised
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