within call or within hail  {adv. phr.}

1. Near enough to hear each other's voices.

When the two ships were within hail, their officers exchanged messages.

Billy's mother told him to stay within call because supper was nearly ready.

2. In a place where you can be reached by phone, radio, or TV and be called.

The sick man was very low and the doctor stayed within call.

on call  {adj. phr.}

1. Having to be paid on demand.

Jim didn't have the money ready even though he knew the bill was on call.

2. Ready and available.

This is Dr. Kent's day to be on call at the hospital.

at one's beck and call or at the beck and call of  {adj. phr.}

Ready and willing to do whatever someone asks; ready to serve at a moment's notice.

at call  {adj.} or  {adv. phr.}

1. Ready or nearby for use, help, or service; on request.

Thousands of auto insurance agents all over the country are at the insured person's call, wherever he may travel.

2. At the word of command; at an order or signal.

call the tune  {v. phr.},  {informal}

To be in control; give orders or directions; command.

Bill was president of the club but Jim was secretary and called the tune.

The people supported the mayor, so he could call the tune in city matters.

Syn.: CALL THE SHOTS.

call one's shot  {v. phr.}

1. To tell before firing where a bullet will hit.

An expert rifleman can call his shot regularly.

The wind was strong and John couldn't call his shots.

2. or call the turn

To tell in advance the result of something before you do it.

Mary won three games in a row, just as she said she would. She called her turns well.

call on or call upon  {v.}

1. To make a call upon; visit.

Mr. Brown called on an old friend while he was in the city.

2. To ask for help.

call up  {v.}

1. To make someone think of; bring to mind; remind.

The picture of the Capitol called up memories of our class trip.

2. To tell to come (as before a court).

The district attorney called up three witnesses.

3. To bring together for a purpose; bring into action.

Jim called up all his strength, pushed past the players blocking him, and ran for a touchdown.

The army called up its reserves when war seemed near.

4. To call on the telephone.

call it quits  {v. phr.},  {informal}

1. To decide to stop what you are doing; quit.

When Tom had painted half the garage, he called it quits.

2. To agree that each side in a fight is satisfied; stop fighting because a wrong has been paid back; say things are even.

Pete called Tom a bad name, and they fought till Tom gave Pete a bloody nose; then they called it quits.

3. To cultivate a habit no longer.

call off  {v.}

To stop (something planned); quit; cancel.

When the ice became soft and sloppy, we had to call off the ice-skating party.