rude awakening
Britishnoun
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“They were in for a rude awakening with the response, and it wasn’t just from the gay community,” Giants broadcaster and former pitcher Mike Krukow told KNBR, the team’s flagship radio station.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 19, 2026
Americans who thought spring break would offer rest and relaxation after a tough winter may be in for a rude awakening.
From MarketWatch ● Mar. 9, 2026
Many in the UK who unwrapped a new drone this Christmas may face a rude awakening next week, when they will have to take a theory test before being allowed to fly outdoors.
From BBC ● Dec. 28, 2025
Leeds' sublime second goal in the 43rd minute was a rude awakening for Chelsea's title prospects.
From Barron's ● Dec. 3, 2025
The canines on these hummers were as big as the canines on any guard dog you’ll ever see, and that was a rude awakening.
From "The Hot Zone" by Richard Preston
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
