English

Adjective

between the ears

1. (literally) On the head.
   • To scratch a cat between the ears.
2. (figuratively) Inside the head.
   • Tinnitus feels like a ringing between the ears.
3. (informal) In the brain or in the mind.
   • Age is between the ears.
   • The best sex organ sits between the ears.
   • 1960, P. G. Wodehouse, Jeeves in the Offing, chapter VI:

     If she knew [a psychiatrist was] observing her son with a view to finding out if he was foggy between the ears, there would be umbrage on her part, or even dudgeon.

Derived terms

• have cotton between the ears
• have nothing between the ears

Translations