sit up and take notice
Suddenly pay attention
To sit up and take notice is to become suddenly alert or attentive to something, especially after being indifferent or unaware.
The phrase evokes someone literally straightening from a slouch when something important happens: The announcement made investors sit up and take notice.
Often used to describe moments when someone or something finally commands attention.
- acknowledgeConfirm receipt or truth
- pay attentionConcentrate on something
- astonishShock with wonder
- heedGive careful attention
- observePerceive with attention
alertness · surprise · perk up · attention · impression · amazement · wake-up call · awareness · interest · shock · vigilance · double-take · intrigue · detect · curiosity · awe · captivate · jolt
sit up and take noticezone out
Become mentally absent
tune out · space out · switch off · drift off · lose focus
notice, sitting, sitter, taken, taking, notices, noticed, noticing, noticeable