Paying or Getting Attention: English Vocabulary List

to try to get a person's attention, particularly by attempting to make eye contact

"I caught his eye."

"She tried to catch the waiter's eye to order another drink from across the crowded restaurant."

to be able to hear even the quietest of sounds due to the environment being extremely silent

"I can hear a pin drop."

"It was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop."

to walk or move confidently in a way that deliberately attracts attention, often to show off one’s physical appearance, style, or attractiveness

"Strut your stuff on stage."

"The model walked down the runway to strut her stuff in front of the famous fashion designers."

to be eager to hear what a person wants to say

"I am all ears now."

"Tell me your exciting news because I am all ears and ready to listen to everything."

to give a thing one's full attention

"The kids were glued to the television."

"The children were glued to the television watching their favourite cartoon on Saturday morning."

to be careful to notice a thing or person

"Keep your eyes peeled for danger."

"We must keep our eyes open for any suspicious activity in the neighborhood."

to make an effort to stay well informed on the developments or changes of a situation

"I keep my ear to the ground for new trends."

"The journalist keeps her ear to the ground to hear about breaking news before anyone else."

to listen to a person or thing in an attentive or sympathetic way

"Please lend me your ear for a moment."

"The kind teacher lent her ear to the upset student who needed to talk about his problems."

to hear something interesting and start to listen to it carefully

"The dog perked up his ears at the sound."

"The dog perked up his ears when he heard the sound of his owner car pulling into the driveway."

to pay attention to something that is being said

"Pin back your ears and listen carefully."

"The students had to pin back their ears and listen carefully to the professor's lecture."

to attract the attention of other people, often in a way that causes other people or things less noticeable

"The comedian took the stage."

"When the charismatic speaker took the stage, all eyes in the audience immediately focused on her."

to behave in a way that does not draw attention to one

"Keep a low profile for now."

"After the scandal the actor decided to keep a low profile and avoid all media interviews for a while."

to begin listening eagerly and intentively

"He pricked up his ears."

"She pricked up her ears when she heard the news."

to attract the attention of a person

"She caught my eye."

"The unique design of the antique vase immediately caught my eye from across the crowded room."

to confidently put one's best skills, abilities, or features on display in order to impress or show off

"Strut your stuff."

"The talented young dancer was encouraged to strut her stuff on stage and captivate the audience with her performance."

the skill to notice details and make great observations

"He has an eagle eye."

"With an eagle eye for detail, the art restorer meticulously examined the ancient painting for any signs of damage."