Armed with bedrock familiarity like this, we listen with half an ear, confident that our memories will supply what slips past.
2.
Now the lunch crowd listens with half an ear as a television hanging over the bar blares the latest on his embarrassing affair and pundits debate whether his presidency will survive.
3.
I would listen with half an ear to the editors'pep talks about our bold new plans for the coming season, then trot out on the field, restored, refreshed and ready to play.