verb
earwig
To press someone through repeated private remarks.
She earwigs her manager in private until he reconsiders the proposal.
Etymology
The insect name became a verb for getting into someone’s ear figuratively. Persistent private remarks are pictured as an intrusive presence close to the listener’s ear.
More examples
- He kept earwigging the chair after meetings, urging her to delay the vote.
- They earwigged me privately for weeks about selling my share.
- Don't earwig each board member separately; make your case at the meeting.
Forms
earwig · earwigs · earwigged · earwigging
Similar words
- lobby
- Seek to influence a decision, publicly or privately.
- badger
- Pester with repeated demands, not necessarily in private.