have half an ear on (someone or something)

have half an ear on (someone or something)

To listen to someone or something intermittently or half-heartedly while something else is happening. Unfortunately, I don't remember what Mom said because I had half an ear on her while also trying to watch the game.
See also: ear, half, have, on
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • (someone or something) promises well
  • (you've) got to get up pretty early in the morning to (do something)
  • accompanied by
  • accompanied by (someone or something)
  • accompany
  • (have) got something going (with someone)
  • a ghost at the feast
  • a/the feel of (something)
  • (I) wouldn't (do something) if I were you
  • (mother) nature's (something)