long ears

long ears

The rabbit has long ears that stand straight up.

Definition
  1. Noun (plural):
    • Literally: the long ears of an animal, such as a rabbit, hare, or donkey.
    • Figuratively (dated): a state or quality of being dull-witted, foolish, or stupid; stupidity or obtuseness. (This meaning derives from the traditional association of donkeys with slowness or lack of intelligence.)
Usage Examples

  • Literal:

    • The rabbit’s long ears twitched at the slightest sound. (The physical ears of the rabbit.)
    • Donkeys are known for their long ears, which help them hear predators from far away. (The animal’s anatomical feature.)

  • Figurative:

    • His constant mistakes revealed his long ears. (His persistent errors showed his foolishness.)
    • She accused him of having long ears after he failed to understand the simple joke. (She called him stupid for missing the humour.)
Advanced Usage
  • "to have long ears": to be foolish or slow-witted.
    • Don’t ask him for advice; he has long ears and will only confuse you. (He is not intelligent enough to give good guidance.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Long-eared (adj): having long ears.
    • The long-eared owl is a nocturnal bird with prominent ear tufts. (Describing the physical feature of the bird.)
Synonyms
  • Stupidity: lack of intelligence or common sense.
  • Foolishness: the quality of being unwise or silly.
  • Obtuseness: slowness to understand or perceive.
Related Idioms

  • "make a donkey of oneself": to behave in a foolish or embarrassing way.

    • He made a donkey of himself by laughing at the wrong moment. (He acted stupidly.)

  • "as stubborn as a mule": extremely obstinate (though not directly related to "long ears," it uses a similar animal association).

    • She is as stubborn as a mule and refuses to change her mind. (She is very stubborn.)
Note on Usage

The figurative sense of "long ears" meaning stupidity is archaic or rare in modern English. It is more commonly used in literal contexts or in older literature. Contemporary speakers are more likely to say "he is a donkey" or "he is being an ass" to imply foolishness, rather than using the phrase "long ears" directly.