wises up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wises up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone becoming more aware or knowledgeable about a situation, often after a period of ignorance or naivety. Example: "After several failed attempts at the job, he finally wises up and starts asking for help."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

The woman wises up.

The New York Times - Arts

He wises up and stops sneaking his card into the cookie bags.

The New Yorker

But he wises up and leaps out of the way, just as Brolin fires at him.

The Guardian - Film

Nadal wises up to his tactics pretty quickly and earns himself two break points.

The Guardian - Sport

At the next Toys R Us, your intrepid reporter wises up and conducts his recon mission solo.

The Washington Post

Eventually, Partridge wises up and uses her new position to organize a shareholder revolt that topples the corrupt C.E.O. and his cronies.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

I wised up".

The New York Times

They wise up.

The New York Times

Smart politicians should wise up.

The New York Times

When will they wise up?

The Economist

He'll wise up.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wises up" when you want to convey that someone is becoming more astute or aware of a situation, often after a period of being naive or uninformed.

Common error

Avoid using "wises up" when simply stating someone learned something new. This phrase implies a previous state of unawareness or naivety that is being overcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wises up" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase, typically used intransitively. Ludwig's examples show it describing a subject's shift from a state of ignorance or naiveté to one of understanding and awareness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Film

13%

Books

8%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Forbes

8%

TechCrunch

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the idiomatic phrase "wises up" is a commonly used expression that describes the process of becoming more aware or knowledgeable about a situation, often after a period of naivety or ignorance. Ludwig provides numerous examples from diverse sources, primarily in news and media, demonstrating its acceptability and correct usage. The phrase generally carries a neutral tone, making it suitable for various writing contexts. While alternatives like "becomes aware" or "gets wise" exist, "wises up" specifically implies a transition from a less informed to a more informed state.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gets wise

A more casual, colloquial alternative with a similar meaning.

becomes aware

Focuses on the simple act of gaining awareness, without necessarily implying previous ignorance.

catches on

Indicates a gradual understanding after initial confusion.

realizes the truth

Emphasizes the discovery of a factual or objective truth.

understands the situation

Highlights a comprehensive grasp of the circumstances.

gets the picture

Implies understanding the overall meaning or implication.

sees the light

Suggests a sudden realization or enlightenment.

figures it out

Focuses on the process of solving a problem or understanding a complex issue.

gains insight

Emphasizes a deeper, more profound understanding.

learns the ropes

Implies acquiring the skills or knowledge needed to navigate a specific environment or task.

FAQs

What does "wises up" mean?

The phrase "wises up" means to become aware of something, especially after a period of being naive or uninformed. It suggests a gain in understanding or knowledge about a situation.

How can I use "wises up" in a sentence?

You can use "wises up" to indicate that someone is starting to understand something they didn't before. For example: "After several scams, he finally "becomes aware" and "wises up" to the tactics used by fraudsters."

Are there any alternatives to "wises up"?

Yes, alternatives include "becomes aware", "gets wise", "realizes the truth", or "understands the situation". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "wises up" formal or informal?

"Wises up" is generally considered to be an informal or colloquial expression. It's more suitable for casual conversation or less formal writing. For more formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "becomes aware" or "gains insight".