hear the grass growとは 意味・読み方・使い方

動詞

hear the grass grow (三人称単数 現在形 hears the grass grow, 現在分詞 hearing the grass grow, 過去形および過去分詞形 heard the grass grow)

1. (idiomatic) To have an extremely sensitive sense of hearing.
   • 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.

2. (idiomatic) To hear very well due to being in an exceptionally quiet environment.
   • 2005, Tony Francis, "St Neots dreams dashed along the road to Cup final," telegraph.co.uk, 28 Aug. (retrieved 1 Aug. 2008),

     A suburban arena that was so sepulchral you could hear the grass grow.

3. (idiomatic) To be very aware or discerning; to pay attention to every small detail.
   • 1995, Hans-Peter Schwarz, Konrad Adenauer: a German politician and statesman, Berghahn Books, →ISBN, p. 397,

     He was quick to appreciate Blankenhorn's engaging personality and intelligent use of his skills. Chief among these was a remarkable ability to keep track of developments—to ‘hear the grass grow’.

使用する際の注意点

• Typically used with can, could, or be able to.