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Derived from "The Wizard of Oz," while in the movie, the phrase is intended to mean "don't pay any attention to the wizard not being real," it has evolved into a more literal and deeper phrase in modern times.
The fundamental moral lesson of the "Wizard of Oz" is that you MUST follow, follow, follow the "yellow bricked road" to success with your friends who have no brains, no hearts and no courage. Follow the "yellow bricked road to success (the Emerald City) no matter the cost." The Emerald City representing "utopia" or an oasis like (based in illusion) paradise. Follow the road no matter what to the "Emerald City" and when you ultimately realize your entire journey has been for naught, for a lie, for a fake made up imaginary oasis, you are to remember most importantly of all to ""pay no attention to that man behind the curtain"" or "remember to forget that it's all been for a lie."

In the new movie 'Wicked' the entire plot relies on you following your programming and always remembering to forget that the Emerald City has always been fake, the wizard has never been real. Thus, the entirety of the plot is based on a lie and falls apart RAPIDLY if you don't remember to forget.
by SerenityJosh March 7, 2025
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not paying that person any more attention;usually said after a stupid comment
ayana: tell me why i just got sent out of class!

liz: what did you do?

ayana: nigguh why you got to assume i did something.

liz: oh lord ok what happened ?

ayana: i spit at the teacher.

liz:i pay you zero point no attention right now.
by dayotemi June 9, 2011
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pay attentioner

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it’s like when you are saying something and someone says you aren’t paying attention and you say “i am a very good listener and pay attentioner
samuel- “you never pay attention to me”
lillie- “i am a very good listener and pay attentioner
by littlechickenlittle November 21, 2017
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Normally used by teachers to cover up when they make an idiotic mistake. By saying "Just trying to see if you were paying attention" teachers can make it seem like they meant to make their dumb mistake, when really they're just stupid...
Teacher: "On the test, we had over 5 FLAIRURES"

Student: "Don't you mean failures?"

Teacher: "NO, i was just trying to see if you were paying attention"

Student: "ah, of course"
by Crozefly February 21, 2011
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