walls have ears
/ˌwɔːlz hæv ˈɪəz/INFORMAL · B2
Meaning
used to warn that someone may be listening
Examples
- 1Let's talk about the pay rise outside; walls have ears in this office.
- 2Keep your voice down when you mention the plan: walls have ears.
- 3Don't discuss the surprise in the kitchen, because walls have ears and Mum is next door.
- 4We whispered in the café because walls have ears, and our boss often has lunch there.
- 5Why are you whispering? Do you really think walls have ears in your own flat?
Grammar
A fixed saying used as a whole clause: nothing changes. It often follows because or a warning.
More idioms about honesty and secrets
All 20 idioms and the topic quiz →give the game awayto spoil a surprise by revealing what should stay hiddenunder wrapskept private for nowblow the whistle onto tell people in authority about something wrong that someone is doingabove boardhonest and legal, with nothing hiddenlie through your teethto say something you know is completely falsea pack of liesa story or claim that is completely untrue
English Idioms400 idioms in 20 topics — with reviews that keep them from fading
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