have his ear?

[sky753]

Hello Everyone,

What does "have his ear" mean in the following?

...But when he was asked whether he has the support of the secretary of eduction, coup replied :"lets say i have his ear"...

Regards

Sky

[monty mike]

It means that the Secretary is willing to at least listen to what he has to say. It doesn't imply him having or not having the Secretary's support.

[David L.]

'to have someone's ear' means 'to have access to and influence with someone'.

In your example, it means he is readily able to discuss issues/matters with the Sec. of Educ., and that the Sec. regards him with sufficient respect to listen and consider what he is saying. Whether the Sec. takes any action (such as actively supporting him in some matter) is then up to the Sec. At least, the matter 'has reached the ears of the Sec', because 'he has the Secretary's ear'.

[sky753]

Originally Posted by David L.

'to have someone's ear' means 'to have access to and influence with someone'.

In your example, it means he is readily able to discuss issues/matters with the Sec. of Educ., and that the Sec. regards him with sufficient respect to listen and consider what he is saying. Whether the Sec. takes any action (such as actively supporting him in some matter) is then up to the Sec. At least, the matter 'has reached the ears of the Sec', because 'he has the Secretary's ear'.

From " have one's year", we can guess one possible meaning of the phrase is the secretary has heard the matter. But how could you know the secretary respect him and will take the matter into consideration? Can you present here one or two daily dialogue to illustrate it? Thanks!

[monty mike]

Originally Posted by sky753

From " have one's year", we can guess one possible meaning of the phrase is the secretary has heard the matter. But how could you know the secretary respect him and will take the matter into consideration? Can you present here one or two daily dialogue to illustrate it? Thanks!

You assume there is a mutual respect because politicians are busy people and don't have the time to speak with just anybody and anything. It must be a matter that is of some importance or relevance to the Secretary, which is how he got 'his ear' in the first place. But remember, taking something into consideration is not the same as acting on it. You can say to someone 'I will take what you have said into consideration' even if you disagree with what they have said. It can be used as a mere formality. Politicians do it all the time. This is no guarantee that he will act on your suggestions.

So having 'one's ear' simply means that they are willing to listen to what you have to say. It does NOT mean that they will seriously consider it thereafter.