prick up
C1 neutral inseparable both
In simple words
to react quickly and pay close attention
Literal meaning: Literally, something sharp points upward.
Meanings
1 C1 neutral
to raise the ears because of sudden interest or attention
"The rabbit pricked up its ears at the slightest noise."
Grammar: inseparable
2 C1
idiomatic
neutral
to become suddenly interested or attentive
"Her ears pricked up when she heard her name mentioned."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Often used with ears: 'The dog pricked up its ears.' Also appears in the phrase 'prick up your ears' meaning listen carefully.
Commonly used with
ears attention interest at the sound when he heard dog
Forms
Base
prick up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
pricks up
he/she/it
Past simple
pricked up
yesterday
Past participle
pricked up
have + pp
-ing form
pricking up
continuous
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Synonyms
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