to lend an ear
Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)
Lend \Lend\ (l[e^]nd), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Lent (l[e^]nt); p. pr. & vb. n. Lending.] [OE. lenen, AS. l[=ae]nan, fr. l[=ae]n loan; akin to G. lehnen to lend. See Loan.]
1.To allow the custody and use of, on condition of the return of the same; to grant the temporary use of; as, to lend a book; -- opposed to borrow. [1913 Webster]
Give me that ring. I'll lend it thee, my dear, but have no power To give it from me.— Shak.[1913 Webster]
2.To allow the possession and use of, on condition of the return of an equivalent in kind; as, to lend money or some article of food. [1913 Webster]
Thou shalt not give him thy money upon usury, nor lend him thy victuals for increase.— Levit. xxv. 37.[1913 Webster]
3.To afford; to grant or furnish in general; as, to lend assistance; to lend one's name or influence. [1913 Webster]
Cato, lend me for a while thy patience.— Addison.[1913 Webster]
Mountain lines and distant horizons lend space and largeness to his compositions.— J. A. Symonds.[1913 Webster]
4.To let for hire or compensation; as, to lend a horse or gig. [1913 Webster]
Note: This use of the word is rare in the United States, except with reference to money. [1913 Webster]
To lend a hand, to give assistance; to help. [Colloq.]
To lend one's ears or To lend an ear, to give attention. [1913 Webster]