耳みみに挟はさむ

expression, godan verb (-mu)

overhear; happen to hear

Used when one catches a bit of information or conversation unintentionally, often in passing.

• 廊ろう下かで同どう僚りょうの噂うわさを耳みみに挟はさんだ。

  I overheard a rumor about a colleague in the hallway.

• 電でん車しゃの中なかで隣となりの人ひとの会かい話わを耳みみに挟はさんでしまった。

  I happened to hear the conversation of the person next to me on the train.