a word in someone's ear

a word in (one's) ear

A private, often brief, communication with one, often to issue a suggestion or warning. I'm confident that that intern will stop slacking off once I have a word in his ear.
See also: ear, word
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

a word in someone's ear

BRITISH
If you have a word in someone's ear, you speak to them quietly and privately, usually to give them advice. I really don't think he should speak to Alice like that in meetings. Perhaps I should have a word in his ear. I'll go and see Quennell. It won't be official, mind. Just a word in his ear over a drink.
See also: ear, word
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
See also:
  • a word in (one's) ear
  • gift horse
  • a gift horse
  • breathe
  • breathe (something) to (someone)
  • be in the market for
  • find (oneself) in the market for (something)
  • make a go of
  • make a go of (something)
  • make a go of something