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idioms - English equivalent of "Always looking out the window"


In spanish there is ventanear and its derived terms, meaning to look out the window, in a busybody/nosey way. (It could also mean to peep into windows, in some places, but that's not important). It is literally derived from ventana (window).


Is there an English equivalent word or phrase? It brings to mind Gladys Kravitz from the show Bewitched. I know busybody is partly close, but it doesn't require peeking or watching from afar.



Answer



The Spanish word draws on a part of a house and listening in by association. The eaves are a part of the house in English and an eavesdropper listens in conversations because they are nosey.


Associating the nosey neighbor with an external part of the house is universal. Consider the Chinese word for eavesdropping and a native speaker would see an ear next to a gate.


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