The phrase "most stone deaf" is an idiom used to describe an individual who is completely or profoundly deaf, implying an extreme and irreversible state of hearing loss. Derived from the term "stone" which signifies hardness and inaccessibility, it metaphorically suggests that the person's ears are as hard as stone, unable to perceive any sound or vibrations.
The adjective "most" emphasizes the absolute extent of their hearing impairment. It signifies that among all individuals who are classified as deaf, this person exhibits the highest degree of deafness, rendering them incapable of perceiving even the slightest auditory cues.
This idiom can be used in literal or figurative contexts. In its literal sense, "most stone deaf" describes a person who has a complete lack of auditory perception due to a congenital defect, injury, or degenerative condition affecting the auditory system.
In a figurative sense, it is employed to describe someone who pretends or feigns an inability to hear, often to avoid paying attention, taking responsibility, or dealing with an inconvenient situation. It highlights intentional ignorance, stubbornness, or an unwillingness to engage in communication.
Overall, "most stone deaf" conveys the idea of an extreme and incurable hearing impairment, emphasizing the total absence of auditory perception in both the literal and figurative sense.
