listen up

listen up

To begin paying attention and listening carefully (to someone or something). Usually said as a command. Listen up, Joe, this information concerns you as well. OK, listen up, everyone. We only have three hours to complete this project, so let's get to work.
See also: listen, up
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

listen up

to listen carefully. (Usually a command.) Now, listen up! This is important. Listen up, you guys!
See also: listen, up
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

listen up

v.
To pay attention closely; be attentive. Used chiefly as a command: Listen up—I'm only going to tell you this once! I want you to listen up and do what I tell you to do.
See also: listen, up
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.

listen up

in. to listen carefully. (Usually a command.) Now, listen up! This is important.
See also: listen, up
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions

listen up

Pay attention, listen carefully. This slangy imperative probably originated in the armed forces during World War II and soon entered the civilian vocabulary. William Safire used it in a quotation, “I’m only going to say this once, so listen up” (New York Times Magazine, Sept. 28, 1980).
See also: listen, up
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
See also:
  • I’m listening
  • I'm listening
  • listen
  • dumbshit
  • listen (to someone or something) with half an ear
  • listen with half an ear
  • incline
  • incline (one's) ear
  • incline your ear
  • ears are flapping
References in periodicals archive
Summary: If your company has employees in Chicago or elsewhere in Illinois, then listen up: Your labor and employment policies may need to change following the ...