Definition
This is a chengyu (four-character idiom) meaning 'extremely vigilant' — literally 'ears listen in all eight directions'. It's often paired with 眼观六路 (eyes see all six ways) to describe someone who is highly alert and aware of everything around them, like a skilled driver or a security guard. Use it to praise someone's situational awareness.
f.e.
extremely vigilantsharp-earedcan hear everything around
Examples
- 耳听八方，。Tā kāichē shí ěr tīng bā, fēicháng ānquán.He is extremely vigilant while driving, very safe.
- 耳听八方，。Zuò bǎo'ān bìxū ěr tīng bā, yǎn guān liù lù.A security guard must be sharp-eared and sharp-eyed.
- 耳听八方，。Zhè wèi lǎo jǐngchá ěr tīng bā, rènhé dòngjìng dōu táo bù guò tā de ěrduo.This veteran policeman is extremely vigilant; no sound escapes his ears.
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