call (someone or something) to (one's) attention

call (someone or something) to (one's) attention

To cause one to notice, focus on, or be aware of someone or something. I know you were trying to sneak into the meeting unnoticed, but you really called it to everyone's attention when you knocked over that chair. I liked the new paint color at first, but it is starting to call all the imperfections in the walls to my attention. How was I supposed to know that the system was down when no one called it to my attention!

See also: attention, call, to

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

call someone to attention

to demand that someone assume the formal military stance of attention. The officer called the platoon to attention. The sergeant called us to attention.

See also: attention, call, to

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.