Phrase guide

hear the grass grow

verb · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To have an extremely sensitive sense of hearing.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • 1855, Thomas Bulfinch, Bulfinch's Mythology: The Age of Fable, ch. 31 "Northern Mythology", Heimdall is the watchman of the gods. . . . So acute is his ear that no sound escapes him, for he can even hear the grass grow and the wool on a sheep's back.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To hear very well due to being in an exceptionally quiet environment.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To be very aware or discerning; to pay attention to every small detail.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

2 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • German: das Gras wachsen hören — which sense?
  • Polish: słyszeć jak trawa rośnie — which sense?