Flea in the ear.

[daisy48]

Does anyone know how this saying came about? Im talking of people who've been sent off "With a flea in his/her ear" TIA.

[jno]

canine metaphor... a dog that has a flea in its ear is irritated. If you send someone off with a flea in their ear, it means you've rebuked them, you intended to give them something to think about. Dates from the 16th century, I think.

[daisy48]

Thanks jno, As far back as the 16th century? Its amazing just how far back these phrases and saying go eh? Daisy.