How to Pronounce "wake up and smell the coffee"
expression
WAYK uhp and SMEL thuh KAW-fee
WAYK up and SMEL thuh KOF-fee
Definition
This expression means to become aware of the reality of a situation, especially if you have been ignoring or denying it.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈweɪk/ /ˈəp/ /ˈænd/, /ənd/ /ˈsmɛɫ/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈkɑfi/, /ˈkɔfi
British English
wˈeɪk/ /ˈʌp/ /ˈænd/ /smˈɛl/ /ðə, ði/ /kˈɒfi
Simplified Pronunciation
US
WAYK uhp and SMEL thuh KAW-fee
UK
WAYK up and SMEL thuh KOF-fee
Listen in Context
You need to wake up and smell the coffee—this plan isn't working.
It's time to wake up and smell the coffee before it's too late.
If you think money grows on trees, you need to wake up and smell the coffee.
Come on, wake up and smell the coffee—she's never going to call you back.