wake-up call

• Llamada telefónica para despertar a alguien, especialmente en un hotel; o un evento repentino que hace que alguien se dé cuenta de que necesita cambiar su comportamiento o tomar medidas.

A phone call made to wake someone up, especially in a hotel; or a sudden event that makes someone realize they need to change their behavior or take action.

1. A warning or alertB2informal

   An event or experience that shocks someone into realizing a problem or the need for change.

   llamada de atención

   • His sudden illness was a real wake-up call to start eating healthier.
   • The poor test results served as a wake-up call for the student to study harder.
   • The company's financial losses were a wake-up call to change their strategy.

2. A phone call to wake someoneA2formal

   A telephone call made at a pre-arranged time to wake someone up, typically in a hotel.

   llamada de despertador

   • I requested a wake-up call for 6 AM at the hotel.
   • The front desk will give you a wake-up call in the morning.
   • She missed her wake-up call and was late for the flight.