When someone says, “don’t wait up for me“, they mean you shouldn’t stay awake or delay going to bed because they’ll be home late. It’s like telling someone not to keep their eyes open for them because they’ll be back much later.
Here are two examples in sentences:
Example 1:
Before leaving for the concert, John told his parents, “Don’t wait up for me, I’ll be home late.”
Example 2:
“Don’t wait up for me, I have a lot of work to finish at the office,” said Sarah to her roommate.
Now, let’s see two examples in a conversation:
Example 3:
Mike: Hi, Emma! I’m going to the library to study for tomorrow’s test.
Emma: Okay, Mike. When will you be back?
Mike: Not sure, Emma. Don’t wait up for me.
Example 4:
David: Hey, Lisa! I have a late-night meeting today.
Lisa: Alright, David. Will you be home for dinner?
David: Probably not, Lisa. Don’t wait up for me.
So, when someone says “don’t wait up for me“, they’re telling you not to stay awake or delay your sleep because they’re going to be late. It’s a way of showing consideration, knowing that the other person might worry or stay up unnecessarily.