lending half an ear

[Polin]

Hi everybody,

Could you help me, please? I was watching a film and came across the phrase lending half an ear. What does it mean?

Here are the context:
I did. I could not have been more concerned for her safety than if I were mistress of Donwell. She would be alone. And who can blame her? She can not have a moment's peace or calm in Miss Bates' cottage - how her ears must ring! She has to concentrate with that endless tittle tattle - lending half an ear ...

Thank you in advance.

[Alan]

Hi,

'Lending half an ear' can mean 'not really listening to fully or properly'. I think this is an extract from Emma by Jane Austen referring to not fully listening to what Miss Bates is saying because she never stops talking.

Alan
_________________
English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Present Simple

[Polin]

Thank you Alan and yes, you are perfectly right it's Emma. So the phrase is similar in meaning to listen with half an ear.