Wake up to
phrasal verb
Become aware or start to realize something.
He woke up to the fact that he was failing his classes.
Often appears as...
- wake up to reality
- wake up to the truth
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrasal verb
Start the day by realizing or receiving some news.
We woke up to the news of the earthquake.
Often appears as...
- wake up to news
- wake up to see
phrasal verb
Experience something, especially something unpleasant, as soon as you wake.
I woke up to a headache this morning.
Often appears as...
- wake up to a headache
- wake up to a cold
phrasal verb
To become aware of a dangerous or difficult situation.
The government needs to wake up to the housing crisis.
Often appears as...
- wake up to the threat
- wake up to the crisis
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrasal verb
Become aware or start to realize something.
He woke up to the fact that he was failing his classes.
Often appears as...
- wake up to reality
- wake up to the truth
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrasal verb
Start the day by realizing or receiving some news.
We woke up to the news of the earthquake.
Often appears as...
- wake up to news
- wake up to see
phrasal verb
Experience something, especially something unpleasant, as soon as you wake.
I woke up to a headache this morning.
Often appears as...
- wake up to a headache
- wake up to a cold
phrasal verb
To become aware of a dangerous or difficult situation.
The government needs to wake up to the housing crisis.
Often appears as...
- wake up to the threat
- wake up to the crisis
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 4
Pro Tip 1/2Figurative Sense
Often used metaphorically to suggest the process of understanding or realization.
It took years for him to wake up to his potential.
Pro Tip 2/2Delayed Insight
May imply a delayed realization, not immediate.
After discussing, she woke up to the seriousness of the issue.
Pro Tip 1/2Figurative Sense
Often used metaphorically to suggest the process of understanding or realization.
It took years for him to wake up to his potential.
Pro Tip 2/2Delayed Insight
May imply a delayed realization, not immediate.
After discussing, she woke up to the seriousness of the issue.
Pro Tip 1/2Figurative Sense
Often used metaphorically to suggest the process of understanding or realization.
It took years for him to wake up to his potential.
Pro Tip 2/2Delayed Insight
May imply a delayed realization, not immediate.
After discussing, she woke up to the seriousness of the issue.
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