split the ears

In his advice to strolling players, Hamlet surely speaks for his author by commanding them to “not saw the air too much with your hand,” or “split the ears” with a “torrent” of passion.

In his advice to strolling players, Hamlet surely speaks for his author by commanding them to “not saw the air too much with your hand,” or “split the ears” with a “torrent” of passion.

He was a practical politician before he "took the stump" against Christianity, and at all times he has proved his capacity to "split the ears of the groundlings," and make the unskillful laugh.

On the stroke of 7.30 some 350 guns suddenly spoke with an overpowering din that racked the brain and split the ears.

The orchestra, we fear, must have rather "split the ears of the groundlings."