Is fall on deaf ears formal or informal?

It is common in both spoken and written English. It sounds slightly formal and is often used in news or essays.

Is it rude to say something fell on deaf ears?

Not usually, but it can sound critical. It suggests the listener did not care or did not act.

Can I use it for advice and warnings?

Yes. It is often used for advice, warnings, requests, and complaints.

← Dictionary

to-fall-on-deaf-ears

/tə fɔːl ɒn dɛf ɪəz/

IELTSAcademic

idiom

If a request, warning, or complaint falls on deaf ears, people ignore it and do not respond. It often suggests disappointment because the speaker expected to be heard.

My warning fell on deaf ears.
Her complaints fell on deaf ears.

Adinary Nuance

This idiom is stronger than ignored because it often shows frustration or sadness. It is also more specific than not listened to, which can sound neutral. Writers use it when words are met with silence or refusal, not just delay.

In other languages

Vietnamese: rơi vào tai điếc
Spanish: caer en oídos sordos
Chinese: 置若罔闻
Japanese: 聞き入れられない
Korean: 무시되다

Etymology

This idiom uses the image of someone hearing nothing because their ears are deaf. It has been used in English for a long time to mean that people are unwilling to listen.

Common phrases

fall on deaf earswarn someone to no availcomplaints fall on deaf ears

Synonyms

ignored dismissed unheeded

Related words

listen attention complaint warning

Frequently asked questions

Is fall on deaf ears formal or informal?: It is common in both spoken and written English. It sounds slightly formal and is often used in news or essays.
Is it rude to say something fell on deaf ears?: Not usually, but it can sound critical. It suggests the listener did not care or did not act.
Can I use it for advice and warnings?: Yes. It is often used for advice, warnings, requests, and complaints.