all ears

all ears

Meaning:

• saying that you are all ears means the other person has got your full attention in terms of listening to him
• very keen to hear
• paying special attention

Synonym:
attentive, vigilant, lively, careful

Example:

1. Kids in my class were all ears when I was telling them the story.
2. She expected her fiance to be all ears when she was telling him about the wedding plans.
3. I was all years when my grandfather was telling about his adventure trip to Himalayas in his youth.
4. As soon as he heard about the announcement of lottery results on the TV, he was all ears as he himself had purchased five of them.
5. When the prime minister came on the stage and started his speech, the audience were all ears with the noisy auditorium suddenly becoming quiet.
6. There was a pin drop silence in the courtroom and everybody were all ears as the robber started to confess his crimes.

Usage:
The purpose of using this phrase is to convey the person being said to is that he is being given full undivided attention.

Origin:
This phrase got originated back in 18th century. By nature we hear from our ears, so all ears means we are using our both ears to listen someone. All ears give the meaning of attention, care, interest of listening someone keenly.