dawn on

Definition

To occur to somebody; to be realized by.

Example Sentences

• "It finally dawned on him that he could automate the process instead of doing it by hand each time."
• "Although the Celebrity was almost impervious to sarcasm, he was now beginning to exhibit visible signs of uneasiness, the consciousness dawning upon him that his eccentricity was not receiving the ovation it merited."
• ""Sir," he remarked, "you have been robbed," and then it suddenly dawned on me that it must have taken place as I was passing the men congregated in the corridor."

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