English · Greetings & Phrases
wake-up call
/ˈweɪk ʌp kɔːl/
[/ˈweɪk ʌp kɔːl/]
a warning to act
Intermediatephrase
Definition
An event that shocks someone into realising they must change. It also literally means a phone call to wake you.
Example
His illness was a wake-up call to live more healthily.
His illness was a wake-up call to live more healthily.
Etymology
From the hotel service of a phone call to wake a guest, later used figuratively.
How & Where It’s Used
Common figuratively for a warning that prompts change.