ピンと立たてる

expression, ichidan verb

prick up (ears); cock up; perk up

Used specifically for ears standing up or being pricked up, often in response to a sound or alertness. The phrase is a fixed expression combining the mimetic adverb ピンと (straight, taut) with 立てる (to raise).

See also: ピンと

• 犬いぬが音おとに気きづいて耳みみをピンと立たてた。

  The dog pricked up its ears at the sound.

• 猫ねこは興きょう味みがあると耳みみをピンと立たてる。

  Cats prick up their ears when they are interested.