pin back
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle back
Meanings
Listen very carefully (often 'pin your ears back')
Why “back”? Something is prevented from moving, growing, or being expressed. It can also remain available as a backup.
“Pin your ears back and listen.”
“The coach told us to pin our ears back while she explained the final rule.”
Don't confuse with
Pin back means listen very carefully. Pin down means hold someone in place by force.
Test yourself
“Pin your ears back and listen.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
pin down
A contrast learners often mix up
Hold someone in place by force; Get someone to commit to a clear answer or decision; Identify or define something exactly
bite back
Same back pattern: holding
Stop yourself from saying something that you really want to say
choke back
Same back pattern: holding
Suppress an emotion welling up
cut back
Same back pattern: holding
Reduce sharply, especially expenditure; Reduce the amount of something, especially spending
fall back
Same back pattern: holding
Move backwards quickly, often in retreat; Use something as a backup when other options fail; Move into a position behind others
fight back
Same back pattern: holding
Defend yourself against an attack; Try to suppress a feeling like tears or anger
hang back
Same back pattern: holding
Hesitate to take part
hold back
Same back pattern: holding
Stop yourself from doing or saying something; Prevent someone or something from progressing; Refuse to give information or feelings
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