耳みみがダンボ

expression

prick up one's ears and listen; listen attentively

Idiomatic expression from the Disney movie Dumbo, describing someone suddenly becoming very attentive and listening carefully. Often used with 〜になる.

• 彼かの女じょの話はなしになると、急きゅうに耳みみがダンボになった。

  When it came to her story, he suddenly pricked up his ears and listened.

• うわさ話ばなしにはすぐ耳みみがダンボになる。

  I immediately prick up my ears when it comes to gossip.