Set people by the ears
to create a quarrel or make people fight
Set people by the ears
to create a quarrel or make people fight
Learning Progress
Examples
"The communal speeches set people by the ears and led to heated protests."
"The manager's biased comments set the staff by the ears and morale fell."
Mnemonic Trick
Ears = attention; setting by the ears = inciting argument.
Cultural Context
Used to describe incitement to conflict; slightly formal/old-fashioned.
Continue Learning
Community Stats
Track Your Progress
Sign up to save your favorite words and track your learning progress across all vocabulary types.
Take your English vocabulary to the next level
Vocabulary Builder is a smart and comprehensive English vocabulary app designed to help you learn, remember, and master words effectively. Whether you are preparing for competitive exams or improving everyday English, the app goes beyond simple definitions to ensure deep understanding and long-term retention.
