rabbit ears
/ˈrabɪt ˌɪəz/noun
1Any of several plants with petals, leaves, or other features resembling the ears of a rabbit; (a) Canadian hare's-ear mustard, Conringia orientalis (family Brassicaceae), a European weed that is widespread in North America; (b) Australian an Australian orchid, Thelymitra antennifera; (c) = lamb's ears ( rare ).
2 North American Sport (chiefly Baseball ). A keen sense of hearing or high level of attention, especially in a context where this is inappropriate or causes trouble.
3Chiefly North American. An indoor television aerial consisting of a base supporting two (usually adjustable) metal rods that form a V shape resembling the ears of a rabbit.
Origin
Early 20th century. In some forms from rabbit + ear. In some forms from rabbit + the plural of ear. In some forms from the genitive of rabbit + the plural of ear.
- put the skids under
- put the squeeze on
- put the tin lid on
- put-through
- puttied
- puttin'-aff
- putting cleek
- putting club
- putting green
- putting hole
- putting iron
- putting-off
- putting on
- putting stone
- Puttnam, Sir David
- putto
- puttock
- put-together
- puttony
- puttoo
- put to rout
- put to the sword
- put to the torch (or put a torch to)
- puttu
- put two and two together