Ear to the ground

Meaning

Be attentive to warnings and rumors.

Usage

Used in business, politics for staying informed.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Farmers listening for distant thunder or movement.

Rural idiom that moved into business culture around the 19th century.