ピンと立たつ

expression, godan verb (-tsu)

perk up; prick up

Used especially for ears standing up sharply, often in response to a sound or alertness. The phrase ピンと立つ is a fixed expression combining the mimetic adverb ピンと (describing a sharp, straight, or tense state) with the verb 立つ.

See also: ピンと

• 犬いぬが音おとに反はん応のうして耳みみをピンと立たてた。

  The dog perked up its ears at the sound.

• 猫ねこは警けい戒かいして耳みみをピンと立たたせている。

  The cat is on alert, with its ears pricked up.