come to (one's) attention

come to (one's) attention

To be noticed by one; to enter one's awareness. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "to" and "attention." Once the employee's complaint of mistreatment came to my attention, I knew I had to address it right away. It has come to my attention that you actually bought this term paper you handed in. That's a big problem. I swear, it never came to my attention! Someone intercepted the report before it ever reached my desk.

See also: attention, come, to

come to attention

Of military personnel, to stand at attention (which, in most cases, means looking forward and standing erect with one's arms at one's sides). When they heard the drill sergeant's call, the troops abruptly stopped marching and came to attention. We all came to attention when the superior officer entered the room. The troops have come to attention—we're just awaiting your signal, Captain.

See also: attention, come, to

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

come to someone's attention

 and come to someone's notice

to be told to, revealed to, or discovered by someone. It has come to my attention that you are not following the rules. Your comments have just come to my notice.

See also: attention, come, to

come to attention

to assume a formal military posture, standing very straight. Almost immediately, the soldiers came to attention.

See also: attention, come, to

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