fell on deaf ears
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
Was ignored; people refused to listen.
Register: neutral
Sources & notes
Curated everyday-idiom list, site editorial 2026-07-30.
Common questions
What does “fell on deaf ears” mean?
Was ignored; people refused to listen.
Is “fell on deaf ears” formal or informal?
fell on deaf ears is generally neutral.