What does “Wake-up call” mean?
"Wake-up call" means a sudden event or experience that makes someone realize the truth about a situation.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The car accident was a wake-up call for him to start driving more carefully.
Example
Losing his job was a wake-up call for him to reevaluate his career choices.
Example
Her failing grades were a wake-up call for her to start studying harder
Is “Wake-up call” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Wake-up call” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Wake-up call” effectively in context?
You can use "Wake-up Call" to describe a sudden event or experience that makes someone realize the truth about a situation. It emphasizes the idea of being jolted into awareness or taking action. For example, if a friend is not taking their health seriously, you might say, 'That heart attack was a wake-up call for him to start exercising and eating healthier.'
- 1Health
His doctor's warning about his high blood pressure was a wake-up call for him to start taking better care of himself.
- 2Relationships
Their breakup was a wake-up call for her to reevaluate her priorities and focus on her own happiness.
- 3Financial
Receiving a large credit card bill was a wake-up call for him to start budgeting and saving money.
Similar phrases to “Wake-up call”:
Eye-opener
Something that provides a new understanding or perspective on a situation
Example
Attending the conference was an eye-opener for her to see the potential of her industry.
Aha moment
A sudden realization or understanding of something
Example
Reading that book was an aha moment for him to see the importance of mindfulness.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Wake-up call” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Wake-up Call" is unknown.
Is “Wake-up call” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Wake-up Call" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe moments of realization or self-reflection.
What tone does “Wake-up call” have?
"Wake-up Call" conveys a tone of realization and self-awareness. It's often used to describe a moment when someone becomes aware of a problem or the need for change.
Can “Wake-up call” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Wake-up Call" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of sudden realization or awakening. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Losing his job was a wake-up call for him to reevaluate his career choices.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time for a "wake-up call"!' to imply the need for awareness or action.
