have an/(one's) ear close to the ground

have an/(one's) ear close to the ground

To listen for any indication of what is happening or will happen. A: "I'm not sure what's going to happen with this merger, so I have an ear close to the ground." B: "Please let me know if you hear anything." I know Kim has her ear close to the ground in case word gets out about the promotion.See also: close, ear, ground, have