flea Idiom, Proverb

flea in one

an annoying hint, an idea or answer that is not welcome I put a flea in his ear regarding the proposal deadline that he had missed.

flea market

a place where antiques or secondhand things are sold We went to a flea market last Saturday to try and buy some dishes.

not hurt a flea

Idiom(s): not hurt a flea

Theme: HARM - LACKING

not to harm anything or anyone, even a tiny insect. (Also with other forms of negation.)
• Ted would not even hurt a flea. He could not have struck Bill
• Ted would never hurt a flea, and he would not hit anyone as you claim.

flea in one's ear|ear|flea

n. phr., informal An idea or answer that is not welcome; an annoying or surprisingly sharp reply or hint. I'll put a flea in his ear if he bothers me once more.

flea market|flea|market

n. phr. A place where antiques, second-hand things, and cheap articles are sold, and especially one in the open air. The local antique dealers held a flea market and fair on the high-school athletic field. There are many outdoor flea markets in Europe.

flea

flea
In addition to the idioms beginning with flea, also see not hurt a fly.
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- flea in one's ear, a
- flea market

flea in one's ear, a

flea in one's ear, a
An annoying hint or a stinging rebuke, as in He has a flea in his ear about their relationship, or If he doesn't bring the right equipment, I'll put a flea in his ear. This expression originated in French and has been used in English since the 1400s.