ace up one's sleeve »
A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.
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bring owls to Athens »
Perhaps we have not been sufficiently aware that talking about access and its implications in Scandinavia is like bringing owls to Athens. — Herbert Burkert.
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execution style »
Resembling an execution; with the victim aware, but unable to defend himself or resist.
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forewarned is forearmed »
Advance awareness of a situation, especially a risky one, prepares one to deal with it.1863, Charles Reade, Hard Cash, ch. 4:[W]hatever a young gentleman of that age says to you, he says to many other ladies; but your experience is not equal to your sense; so profit by mine . . . forewarned is forearmed.1885, G. A. Henty, Saint George for England, ch. 4:Sometimes, they say, it is wiser to remain in ignorance; at other times forewarned is forearmed.circa 1903, Lucy Maud Montgomery, "Why Mr. Cropper Changed His Mind":"Well, Miss Maxwell, I think it only fair to tell you that you may have trouble with those boys when they do come. Forewarned is forearmed, you know."
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have one's wits about one »
To remain calm, composed, or aware.
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hear the grass grow »
To be very aware or discerning; to pay attention to every small detail.
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ivory tower »
A sheltered, overly-academic existence or perspective, implying a disconnection or lack of awareness of reality or practical considerations.
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keep a weather eye open »
To maintain a background awareness of something; to remain alert to changes without it occupying your full attention.
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know the score »
Be aware of a situation, especially of the consequences of misconduct.
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look out »
Be vigilant and aware.
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out of touch »
No longer conversant with facts; not aware or realistic.
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put someone in mind of »
To remind someone of; to inspire a mental image or awareness of; to cause thoughts concerning.
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sexual tension »
Physically induced libidinal unrest arising between two individuals when aware of each other's presence.
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shit-eating grin »
A broad smile indicating self-awareness that may suggest self-satisfaction, smugness, discomfort, or embarrassment.
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the nose knows »
Despite the addressee's belief that the speaker was unaware of something, the speaker, in fact, was already aware.
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