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.
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
It was a rude awakening for three-time winners Inter, whose stature and budget dwarf that of the Norwegians and who are heavy favourites to win Serie A this season.
From Barron's ● Feb. 24, 2026
It's a rude awakening in a moment fraught with grave risk.
From BBC ● Jan. 20, 2026
The Eddie Murphy vehicle chronicles a hotshot advertising executive’s rude awakening after a merger leaves him with a new boss.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 29, 2025
They’re going to have a rude awakening anyway because they’re headed next door to Mrs. Franklin’s house, and she doesn’t like when people come by unannounced.
From "Hello, Universe" by Erin Entrada Kelly
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.
