1.
in one ear and out the other; paying no attention
Completely ignoring what is said, like an east wind blowing past a horse's ears.
FOUR-CHARACTER IDIOM (四字熟語):
馬耳 (horse's ears) + 東風 (east wind)
ORIGIN:
From a Chinese poem by 李白 (Li Bai). The east wind is the spring breeze, which carries the scent of flowers—but a horse pays no attention to it.
MEANING:
Describes someone who completely ignores advice, warnings, or opinions. The implication is often critical—the person should be listening but isn't.
SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:
- 馬の耳に念仏: Buddhist prayers to a horse's ears (similar meaning)
- 糠に釘: like driving a nail into rice bran (futile effort)
USAGE:
Often used to describe people who don't take criticism or advice seriously.
Related Words
Synonym:
馬の耳に念仏 (similar proverb)