English

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Etymology

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This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.
Particularly: “(1) Who started this & when? Ancient? Modern? (2) What is "up" here? Attention? What is the internal logic (or lack thereof) of the phrase?”

Pronunciation

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Verb

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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

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This verb is often used in the imperative, as a sentence by itself.

Translations

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