Flashcards based on "Idioms with call to learn" set
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1 of 10
1. Near enough to hear each other's voices.
2. In a place where you can be reached by phone, radio, or TV and be called.
A Dictionary of American Idioms
1 of 10
. within call
[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.
The soldiers were allowed to leave the base by day, but had to stay within call.
A Dictionary of American Idioms
2 of 10
1. Having to be paid on demand.
2. Ready and available.
A Dictionary of American Idioms
2 of 10
. on 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.
The nurse is on call for emergency cases.
A Dictionary of American Idioms
3 of 10
Ready and willing to do whatever someone asks; ready to serve at a moment's notice.
A Dictionary of American Idioms
3 of 10
. at one's beck and call
[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.
A good parent isn't necessarily always at the child's beck and call.
A Dictionary of American Idioms
4 of 10
1. Ready or nearby for use, help, or service; on request.
2. At the word of command; at an order or signal.
A Dictionary of American Idioms
4 of 10
. at call
[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.
The dog was trained to come at call.
A Dictionary of American Idioms
5 of 10
To be in control; give orders or directions; command.
Syn.: [CALL THE SHOTS].
A Dictionary of American Idioms
5 of 10
. call the tune
[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].
A Dictionary of American Idioms
6 of 10
1. To tell before firing where a bullet will hit.
2. or [call the turn]
To tell in advance the result of something before you do it.
A Dictionary of American Idioms
6 of 10
. call one's shot
[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.
Nothing ever happens as Tom says it will. He is very poor at calling his turns.
A Dictionary of American Idioms
7 of 10
1. To make a call upon; visit.
2. To ask for help.
A Dictionary of American Idioms
8 of 10
1. To make someone think of; bring to mind; remind.
2. To tell to come (as before a court).
3. To bring together for a purpose; bring into action.
4. To call on the telephone.
A Dictionary of American Idioms
8 of 10
. call up
[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.
She called up a friend just for a chat.
A Dictionary of American Idioms
9 of 10
1. To decide to stop what you are doing; quit.
2. To agree that each side in a fight is satisfied; stop fighting because a wrong has been paid back; say things are even.
3. To cultivate a habit no longer.
A Dictionary of American Idioms
9 of 10
. call it quits
[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.
"Yes, I called it quits with cigarettes three years ago."
A Dictionary of American Idioms
10 of 10
To stop (something planned); quit; cancel.
A Dictionary of American Idioms