# pay attention to sb/sth

idiom · CEFR A2

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/pay-attention-to-sb-sth
Updated: 2026-04-22

## Meaning

To watch, listen to, or think about someone or something carefully. You use it when you need to focus your mind on something specific.

## Examples

- Please pay attention to the teacher during the lesson.
- You should pay attention to the road signs so you do not miss your exit.
- If you fail to pay attention to the subtle shifts in market trends, you risk losing your competitive advantage in the industry.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.