call an audible

call an audible

1. In American football, to call out a different play at the line of scrimmage just before the ball is put into play, typically in response to some action taken by the opposing team. (An "audible" is a play changed in this manner.) The quarterback called an audible after seeing how the defense had lined up.
2. By extension, to change one's decision or course of action in response to changing or previously unforeseen factors. I planned to take that route, but there's too much traffic now. I think I have to call an audible and take the highway instead.
See also: call
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • double play
  • bring (something) into play
  • bring into play
  • bring something into play
  • bring/call/put something into play
  • play ball with, to
  • close of play
  • play ball with someone
  • play off
  • walk on stage and off again
References in periodicals archive
Don't worry--if plans change, just call an audible.
Calling an audible: tips for redirecting a project at the last minute
Taggart admitted to wishing that Nelson would call an audible as he ran toward the Oregon sideline.
Nelson fills bucket list with TD pass
RIM professionals also may need to call an audible, adjusting the plan in response to how their organization is absorbing the impact of reducing PSTs.
Quarterbacking a PST reduction project: how to got to the end zone--no matter the opposition
Tepliztky then proceeded to call an audible on her schedule and retreated to the client's current lodgings.
The juggling act: a day in the life of billion dollar broker Jacky Teplitzky
Someone needs to call an audible and reinforce how this all connects the dots.
Cool hand juke
Moreover, it is said, the career diplomat arrives with a hard-won appreciation for Washington's real and imagined needs, as well as the confidence to "call an audible" on his/her own initiative when necessary.
American Ambassadors
The National Football League lockout has forced Nashua school officials to call an audible.
Grant interference: NFL lockout sacks $200k for Nashua Stadium
"(I'm) not necessarily looking at an individual (defender), but just looking at where the help is coming from and where my wide receivers are going to be and when they're going to be open and if I have to call an audible and, if I do, which one.
Soft touch; Bryant has become team player for L.A
Our quarterbacks each had a wrist coach in which they would put a couple of pre-made sequences for each of our plays so they did not have to think about them when they wanted to call an audible.
Football codes & code-breaking
We have the flexibility to call an audible at the line of scrimmage."
Sales not as heavy as the coverage
to call an audible and move the gridiron film out of football season and into late summer release, the studio has staked the film's producer, Dylan Sellers, to a two-year overall deal at the studio.
WB BUYS INTO SELLERS
"I'm hoping there won't be conflicts, but sometimes you have to call an audible the day before."
He leads the league in tailgating