A FLEA IN ONE’S EAR

I was reminded of this phrase while reading Robert Dinsdale’s novel, The Toymakers [1]: “I had to send him away with a flea in his ear.” – highly recommended!

 Other examples:

 “Water company officials were sent away with a flea in their ear after they ignored advice to consult people about plans for a £2m sewage pumping station under a play park.”

 “Benetton headed in at half-time with a 10–5 lead, while the Saints players were about to get a flea in the ear from the coaching staff.”

 “But she left court to return to her children with a flea in her ear after Judge Stephen Thomas told her: ‘I have had in mind the effect on your children, which is more than you have done.’”

 Photo credit: AJ Cann (Creative Commons)

 [1] Dinsdale, Robert. The Toymakers. Ebury Publishing. Kindle Edition.