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.
注意しても馬耳東風だ。
Warnings go in one ear and out the other.
彼は人の話を馬耳東風と聞き流す。
He just lets what people say go in one ear and out the other.
上司の小言も馬耳東風だった。
Even the boss's complaints fell on deaf 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)