wake

Wake up and smell the coffee!

something that you say in order to tell someone that they should try to understand the true facts of a situation or that they should give more attention to what is happening around them. It's time you woke up and smelled the coffee, Don. We're just not getting enough business any more.

See also: coffee, smell

a wake-up call (American & Australian)

an event that warns someone that they need to deal with an urgent or dangerous problem. The 1971 earthquake was a wake-up call to strengthen the city's bridges. (often + to do something) The World Trade Center bombing has served as a wake-up call to the FBI on terrorism. (often + to)

See also: call

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in the wake of something

following or as a result of something. The airport lowered parking rates in the wake of many complaints from drivers who felt the rates were far too high.

wake up and smell the coffee

to pay attention and do something about a situation. Some parents just deny their kids are having problems, and they'd better wake up and smell the coffee.

See also: coffee, smell

wake up to something

to become aware of something important. I wish Dad would wake up to the fact that the car is about to fall apart.