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wake up and smell the coffee

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Question:wake up and smell the coffee

Aug. 10, 2012, 1:20 a.m.

luizzahar
luizzahar BR
62 posts
What means the expression "wake up and smell the coffee" as in the phrase "Brazilians wake up and smell the coffee as they prepare to host 2016 Olympics"?

Aug. 10, 2012, 3:35 a.m.

dcbaok
dcbaok US
43 posts
It means to realize that something is happening that is serious or difficult or a problem.

The analogy is that someone is blissfully sleeping and then they wake up to reality.

Hope this helps!
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