Meanings
Probably a humorous elaboration of wake up (“to become more aware of a real-life situation; to concentrate on the matter in hand”), alluding to the fact that coffee is often consumed at breakfast time after waking up in the morning. The term was popularized by the American writer Esther Pauline “Eppie” Lederer (1918–2002), who used the pen name Ann Landers, in the syndicated newspaper advice column Ask Ann Landers.[1]
How to pronounce "wake up and smell the coffee":
AU
Often in the infinitive or imperative: to face reality and stop deluding oneself.
Example Sentences
1
You need to wake up and smell the coffee - your business idea is not realistic.
2
It's time to wake up and smell the coffee - you can't keep living in denial.
3
You should wake up and smell the coffee - the company is in financial trouble.
4
She needs to wake up and smell the coffee - her relationship is doomed.
5
I think it's time for him to wake up and smell the coffee - his team is losing every match.
