have a word in someone's ear: meaning & examples

Meanings:

• 1.

  General Englishneutralliteral
  • To place or whisper a single word or words into another person's ear (literal physical action).

  Examples

  Beta

  • He leaned over and had a word in her ear, reminding her of the surprise party details.

    Él se inclinó y le susurró una palabra al oído, recordándole los detalles de la fiesta sorpresa.

  • The actor had a word in the director’s ear before the scene started, clarifying his cues.

    El actor susurró una palabra al oído del director antes de que comenzara la escena, aclarando sus indicaciones.

  • She had a word in his ear during the meeting, suggesting a change in their approach.

    Ella le susurró una palabra al oído durante la reunión, sugiriendo un cambio en su enfoque.

  • The child had a word in his mother’s ear, asking for permission to go outside.

    El niño susurró una palabra al oído de su madre, pidiendo permiso para salir.

• 2.

  General Englishidiomaticinformal
  • To speak privately or in a low voice to someone, often to give advice, a warning, or persuasive remarks.

  Examples

  Beta

  • I had a word in the boss’s ear about the need for more flexible working hours.

    Le hablé en privado al jefe sobre la necesidad de horarios de trabajo más flexibles.

  • She always seems to have a word in the mayor’s ear, influencing local policy decisions.

    Ella siempre parece hablar en privado con el alcalde, influyendo en las decisiones de política local.

  • Before the vote, the senator had a word in his colleague’s ear to persuade him to support the bill.

    Antes de la votación, el senador habló en privado con su colega para persuadirlo de apoyar el proyecto de ley.