notice (redirected from served notice)

make someone sit up and take notice

to make someone suddenly notice something and become interested in it. That was the record that made me sit up and take notice of Neil Hannon. (often + of)

See also: sit, take

not take a blind bit of notice (British & Australian, informal)

to not give someone or something any attention at all. Protesters were shouting and waving banners outside the embassy, but no-one took a blind bit of notice. They didn't take a blind bit of notice of our objections. (often + of)

See also: bit, blind, take

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at a moment's notice

almost immediately. Everyone was packed and ready to leave at a moment's notice.

at the drop of a hat

on the spur of the moment

give notice (to someone)

1. to warn your employer that you will stop working. Jones gave notice in October that he planned to leave at the end of the school year.

2. to tell an employee that they will no longer be employed. The company didn't give its employees notice, they just sent everyone home and closed the plant.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of give notice (= to give written or printed information)

See also: give

on short notice

with little warning. It's hard to find someone to take care of the kids on short notice.

See also: short

sit up and take notice

to suddenly give something your attention. His election made even people who don't care about politics sit up and take notice.

See also: sit, take

take notice (of someone/something)

to give someone or something your attention. Voters are beginning to take notice of her as a serious candidate. Several professors took notice of her excellent grasp of the subject.

See also: take