sit up and take notice
idiom (1)Definition of sit up and take notice
(Entry 1 of 2)
: to suddenly pay attention to (someone or something)
The news made them sit up and take notice.
(sit up and) take notice
idiom (2)Definition of (sit up and) take notice (Entry 2 of 2)
: to become aware of and give attention to someone or something
The team has been playing better recently, and people are starting to (sit up and) take notice.