THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Fall on deaf ears
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
To be ignored or not considered seriously.
Usage note: keep in mind
Fall on deaf ears means that a request, warning or suggestion is ignored or has no effect. The subject is normally the message, not the person sending it. Use fell on deaf ears in the past. A plain alternative is was ignored.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- Her suggestions fell on deaf ears during the meeting.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
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Can you recall the expression?
Which expression from this lesson matches this meaning?
To be ignored or not considered seriously.
Show the answer
Fall on deaf ears — To be ignored or not considered seriously.
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Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Fall on deaf ears” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
To be ignored or not considered seriously.
Compare: Her suggestions fell on deaf ears during the meeting.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
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More ways to understand and use it
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More examples in context
- Our request for a clearer timetable fell on deaf ears.
- Repeated suggestions to simplify the form seemed to fall on deaf ears.
Check your understanding
Choose the natural subject: 'Our warning fell on deaf ears' or 'We fell on deaf ears.'
Check your answer
Our warning is the natural subject. The idiom describes the unsuccessful message or appeal, not the people who gave it.
Use it in your own words
Write one new situation where fall on deaf ears fits. Explain the situation in plain English first, then rewrite it using the expression. Check that the tone and meaning suit your audience.