Welcome to our fun guide on call idioms! Idioms are phrases that don’t mean exactly what the words say but have a special meaning to people. We will explore different “call” idioms used in English, explaining what they mean and how you can use them in sentences. It’s easy to understand, even for kids!
Call Idiom
Here are 20 call idioms in English with meaning and example sentence for each.
1. Call it a day
Meaning: Decide to stop working.
Example: We were tired, so we called it a day.
2. Call the shots
Meaning: To make the important decisions.
Example: He likes to call the shots at work.
3. Call off the dogs
Meaning: Stop criticizing or harassing.
Example: Let’s call off the dogs for now.
4. Call someone’s bluff
Meaning: To challenge someone’s claim.
Example: She called his bluff during the game.
5. Call into question
Meaning: Express doubts about.
Example: His honesty was called into question.
6. Call for
Meaning: Require or need.
Example: This job calls for patience.
7. Call to arms
Meaning: Mobilize for a common cause.
Example: The leader issued a call to arms.
8. Call the tune
Meaning: Control how something is done.
Example: He always calls the tune at meetings.
9. Call a spade a spade
Meaning: Speak bluntly and directly.
Example: She always calls a spade a spade.
10. Call on
Meaning: Ask for an answer or opinion.
Example: The teacher called on me today.
11. Call forth
Meaning: To bring into action.
Example: The crisis called forth great courage.
12. Call in sick
Meaning: Report you are ill and cannot work.
Example: He called in sick yesterday.
13. Call to mind
Meaning: Remember or recall.
Example: That song calls to mind my childhood.
14. Call up
Meaning: Summon for military service.
Example: He was called up during the war.
15. Call upon
Meaning: Formally request or summon.
Example: We were called upon to help.
16. Call out
Meaning: Criticize someone publicly.
Example: She called him out for lying.
17. Call it quits
Meaning: Stop working or give up.
Example: They called it quits after five years.
18. Call the roll
Meaning: Check who is present.
Example: The teacher called the roll.
19. Call back
Meaning: Return a phone call.
Example: Please call me back later.
20. Call ahead
Meaning: Notify of one’s arrival in advance.
Example: Always call ahead for reservations.
