When somebody tells you to wake up and smell the coffee what does that phrase mean?

Wake up and smell the coffee is an idiom that means to pay attention to the situation at hand and become more alert. It implies that someone is not fully aware of or attentive to their surroundings or circumstances.

The phrase is said to have originated from the experience of coming to the workplace in the morning, when the aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air. This pleasant smell serves as a way to rouse the senses and remind people to start the day with focus.

This phrase is often used in situations where someone is not paying attention to important things or is being too idealistic or unrealistic, and needs to become more grounded and aware. It can be a reminder to be present in the moment and to take notice of the details and challenges that may be present.

Additional contexts and examples:

- When a friend is constantly daydreaming about their future plans and not concentrating on their current job, their colleague may say, "Wake up and smell the coffee! You need to focus on the tasks at hand if you want to succeed in your career."

- In a team meeting where a colleague is proposing an overly ambitious and impractical plan, their teammate might say, "I think you need to wake up and smell the coffee. Our resources and timelines won't allow for that kind of project right now."

- After a romantic rejection, a friend might advise, "Come on, wake up and smell the coffee. There are plenty of other people out there who will appreciate you for who you are."