(figuratively) a drop in the ocean, a drop in the bucket

to prick up one's ears, to pin one's ears back, to strain one's ears (to listen carefully)

West Germany (a former country in Central Europe)

slow and steady wins the race; little strokes fell great oaks; a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step; many a mickle makes a muckle

West Asia

Synonym of tendre l'oreille

(figuratively) to come out of the shadows, to emerge from the shadows

(simile) always frank, sincere and honest, straight as a die, honest as the day is long

(literary) to give up what one has already got to go chasing rainbows; to lose everything because one wanted too much; to get sidetracked, to lose sight of what is important

opportunity makes the thief