Pronunciation: [bˈɛnt ˈi͡ə] (IPA) 
The phrase "bent ear" is spelled with a /bɛnt ɪər/ pronunciation in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable, "bent", is pronounced with a short "e" sound, as in "bed", followed by the "nt" consonant cluster. The second syllable, "ear", features a long "e" sound, as in "hear", followed by the "r" sound at the end. This phrase refers to someone who is gossiping, spreading rumors or eavesdropping on someone else's conversation.
The phrase "bent ear" refers to a colloquial expression often used in informal contexts to describe a situation where someone listens attentively to another person's ideas, concerns, or problems for an extended period of time. The idiom implies an individual's willingness to lend an ear, offer support, or engage in a conversation, demonstrating a genuine interest in what the other person has to say. This phrase often connotes that the listener is patient, empathetic, and willing to listen without interruption or judgment.
The term "bent ear" originates from the literal image of tilting or bending one's ear towards someone, signaling a focused, intent, or concentrated form of listening. It can signify a person's receptivity towards providing advice, consolation, or simply being an empathetic sounding board. Commonly used in personal contexts, such as friendships or families, this phrase suggests an act of emotional support, sincerity, and understanding.
Additionally, "bent ear" can be utilized in professional environments to depict an individual's receptiveness towards hearing grievances, complaints, or feedback from colleagues or subordinates, perhaps indicating a managerial figure's commitment to fostering open communication and resolving interoffice issues. However, it is worth noting that this expression is more commonly used in informal contexts rather than in formal or technical settings.
There seems to be no specific etymology for the phrase "bent ear". However, it is a metaphorical expression used to describe the act of paying close attention or listening attentively to someone. The word "bent" suggests a leaning or inclining towards, while "ear" refers to the auditory organ used for listening. The phrase likely originated from the observation that when someone is genuinely interested in what another person has to say, they tend to incline their head or lean towards them, as if bending their ear to better capture the sound.
