prick up

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Certainly! The phrase "prick up" is often used to describe the action of raising or lifting something, typically in a way that shows attention or interest.

Basic Explanation:

• Definition: To "prick up" means to raise something, usually ears, in response to a sound or something interesting.
• Usage: It is often used with "ears" to describe when an animal (like a dog) or a person becomes alert or attentive.

Example:

• "When the doorbell rang, the dog pricked up his ears."
  • In this sentence, "pricked up" means that the dog raised his ears because he heard something interesting (the doorbell).

Advanced Usage:

• The phrase can also be used metaphorically for people. For example:
  • "When she mentioned the prize, everyone pricked up their ears."
  • Here, it means that everyone became interested when they heard about the prize.

Word Variants:

• Prick: This is the base form of the verb. It can mean to make a small hole in something with a sharp object.
• Pricked Up: This is the past tense form, used when something has already happened.

Different Meanings:

• "Prick" can have other meanings too, like a sharp point or a small injury caused by a sharp object. However, in the context of "prick up," it specifically refers to raising ears or attention.

Synonyms:

• Raise: To lift something up.
• Lift: To move something to a higher position.
• Alert: To become aware of something.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no direct idioms or phrasal verbs that include "prick up," but you can use related phrases:
  • "Prick up one's ears": This is a common phrase that means to listen attentively or to become alert to something.

Summary:

"Prick up" is a useful verb phrase that describes the action of raising ears in response to sounds or interesting information. It's often used with animals but can also refer to people who become attentive or curious.

Additional Examples:

1. "As soon as the teacher mentioned the field trip, the students pricked up their ears."
2. "The cat pricked up its ears at the sound of a rustling mouse."

Academic

Verb

1. raise
   • The dog pricked up his ears

Synonyms

• prick
• cock up