📖 Meaning
Describes something heard so many times that it fills the ears and nose — meaning it has been drilled into one's head through relentless repetition. It conveys a sense of being thoroughly steeped in a sound or phrase to the point of saturation, often with a hint of weariness.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom has no recorded classical literary source, suggesting it arose from colloquial speech rather than a specific historical anecdote. It draws on the vivid sensory image of the ears and nose being stuffed full, a natural metaphor for auditory saturation. The phrase likely emerged in vernacular Chinese as an expressive way to describe over-familiarity with a sound or saying. Its lack of a formal origin story reflects its roots in everyday language rather than elite literary tradition.
💡 Example Usage
这个广告词我听得耳满鼻满了。
I've heard this ad slogan so many times my ears and nose are full of it.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 耳满鼻满
- Pinyin: ěr mǎn bí mǎn
- Literal Translation: ears full, nose full
- Category: Condition
- Characters: 4