set by the ears: meaning & examples

Meanings:

• 1.

  UKUSHistoricaldatedliterary
  • To cause two or more people to quarrel or fight; to set at odds with one another.

  Examples

  Beta

  • Their disagreement over the budget set the two partners by the ears, threatening the whole project.

    Their disagreement over the budget set the two partners by the ears, threatening the whole project.

  • The rumor set the siblings by the ears, causing a loud argument at the family dinner.

    The rumor set the siblings by the ears, causing a loud argument at the family dinner.

  • The manager’s harsh criticism set the team by the ears, dividing them into opposing factions.

    The manager’s harsh criticism set the team by the ears, dividing them into opposing factions.

• 2.

  UKUSHistoricaldatedcolloquial
  • To be engaged in a violent or noisy dispute.

  Examples

  Beta

  • The protesters were set by the ears all afternoon, shouting slogans and clashing with police.

    The protesters were set by the ears all afternoon, shouting slogans and clashing with police.

  • Neighbors were set by the ears over the noise complaint, leading to a heated dispute.

    Neighbors were set by the ears over the noise complaint, leading to a heated dispute.

  • The two factions were set by the ears in a violent confrontation that lasted for hours.

    The two factions were set by the ears in a violent confrontation that lasted for hours.