jemandem einen Floh ins Ohr setzen
to put a (far-fetched or unsettling) idea into someone's head
Origin
The expression is documented as early as Grimmelshausen's 'Simplicissimus' (1668) with the same meaning. It conjures the image of a flea hopping around in one's ear, leaving one restless and unable to think clearly.
Building blocks
Words in this expression
die Bemerkung· remarkder Floh· fleains· into themir· me (dative)das Ohr· earsetzen· to setüber· over
Grammar that uses this word
- Two-way prepositions with accusative (Wohin? / where to)Wechselpräpositionen mit Akkusativ (Wohin?)
- Two-way prepositions contrast: Wo? vs. Wohin? (where vs. where to)Wechselpräpositionen Kontrast: Wo? vs. Wohin?
- Position of object pronounsStellung der Objektpronomen
- Reflexive verbs (sich freuen, sich waschen)Reflexive Verben (sich freuen, sich waschen)
Examples
Mit seiner das Auslandsjahr hat er einen gesetzt.
With his remark about a year abroad he put a flea in my ear.