Be all ears Definition 1 of 1Pro Tip 1/3Informal Use Used in casual conversations among friends or family, not in formal situations. When you mentioned a surprise, I was all ears! Pro Tip 2/3Positive Interest Expresses a genuine and enthusiastic interest in what someone is about to say. You've started your own business? I'm all ears, tell me everything! Pro Tip 3/3Exclusively Metaphorical The phrase is never used literally; it's always figurative. He said he had a story to share, and suddenly the children were all ears.