cloth-eared
adjUK /ˌklɒθˈɪəd/ · US /ˌklɔθˈɪ(ə)ɹd/
Etymology From the fact that ears made of cloth (for example, belonging to a stuffed toy) cannot hear.
1
UK, Dated, Derogatory, Informal Not hearing clearly.
2
UK, Dated, Derogatory, Informal Failing to pay attention.
- Related terms
- cloth-ears, cock a deaf 'un, tin ear