listen up

English

Etymology

From listen +‎ up. First use appears c. 1933, although the exact date of its first use is uncertain. See cite below.

Pronunciation

• Audio (General Australian):

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Verb

listen up (third-person singular simple present listens up, present participle listening up, simple past and past participle listened up)

1. (idiomatic, informal) To listen closely; to pay attention.

   I'm only gonna say this once, so you really need to listen up.

   • 1933, Eddie Dooley, Under the Goal Posts:

     His sharp eyes scanned the faces of his charges. "Listen up!" he barked.

Usage notes

• This verb is often used in the imperative, as a sentence by itself. It may sometimes convey a derogatory or pejorative tone when used by the speaker.

Translations

Translations

• Danish: høre efter