die Ohren spitzen
to prick up one's ears; to listen closely
Origin
Derived from the behaviour of animals such as cats and dogs, which raise ("prick up") their ears to hear better.
Building blocks
Words in this expression
Grammar that uses this word
- Consecutive connector 'sodass' vs. 'so … dass' (so that)Konsekutivkonnektor 'sodass' vs. 'so … dass'
Examples
Als sein fiel, spitzte er die Ohren.
When his name came up, he immediately pricked up his ears.