calling card

calling card

1. A small card containing one's contact information; a business card that may also be used for social purposes. I'm old school, so I like to hand out a calling card when I'm saying goodbye to a new acquaintance.
2. An item left behind by someone to signify that they had been present in a particular location. It was evident that the string of murders were committed by the same man, as he left his calling card, a single red rose, at the scene of each crime.
3. A special skill or talent that sets an individual apart from others. Primarily heard in US. His ability to paint such lifelike portraits really is his calling card in the art world.
See also: calling, card
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

a calling card

mainly AMERICAN
1. If you describe what someone possesses or has achieved as a calling card, you mean that it gives them an advantage. An Olympic gold medal is undoubtedly a pretty impressive calling card.
2. If you describe something as a calling card, you mean it proves that someone has been in a place. The hand continues to leave behind its calling card on everything it touches in the form of fingerprints. Note: In American English, a calling card is a small card printed with your name and other personal information, which you give to people when you visit or meet them.
See also: calling, card
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
See also:
  • a calling card
  • card in
  • card out
  • someone's trump card
  • trump card
  • a/your trump card
  • drawing card
  • wild card
  • a wild card
  • have a trick up (one's) sleeve
References in periodicals archive
Thuraya Chief Commercial Officer, Bilal El Hamoui, said: "Thuraya Calling Card is being introduced at a time when Maritime users in particular are cost-conscious and the need for a comprehensive product that offers transparent pricing is of vital importance.
After an incident in which a model had dropped the name of a high police official to escape a traffic citation, the Philippine National Police on Sunday reminded traffic enforcers not to be daunted if erring motorists flaunted calling cards or photos with police officials.
"Social workers or diplomatic officials who occasionally visit the jail used to give us calling cards. Or our friends used to buy cards from outside and pass the number to us.
According to the Hispanic Institute, a nonprofit advocacy group, prepaid calling card consumers on average are only able to use about 60% of the talk time.
"We intend to take more stocks of Five calling cards and have been getting more queries about the card.
"Calling card customers have filed thousands of complaints about the unsavory practices and hidden fees associated with many prepaid phone cards," said Mike Tempora, Senior Vice President of Product Management at Vonage.
"Yes," she replied, "because, unfortunately, women's calling cards are based on their looks".
By obtaining the (International Calling Card) pilgrims are guaranteed the best international rates at 55 Halalas per minute and credit control, the (International Calling Card) is available in categories of (10[euro]i 20[euro]i 30[euro]i 50) SR through our outlets in Makkah.
The official said that in the end, such businesses may not be able to sell cut-price services but could be allowed to offer them "very close" to what was available through calling cards.
Customers travelling abroad on vacation or business can use the Etisalat calling card to call UAE or any other international destination, from any phone (payphones, fixed line or mobile).
National Consumers League Executive Director Sally Greenberg stated in testimony to the FTC, "(The calling card industry) is a "Wild West" of sellers and merchants who too often prey upon the most vulnerable consumers by promising minutes they don't deliver and loading up on hidden or undisclosed charges and fees."
I WELCOME a visit from the parish priest but I'd be delighted with a calling card from Fr Michael O'Sullivan of St Peter's, Washington DC.
Hazen's commitment over the past year to US Family Health Plan's Calling Card Campaign, which provided hundreds of soldiers stationed abroad with international calling cards so they can call their families without incurring the cost of the overseas call.
Four times the national and 13 times the regional Coach of the Year, Holowaty's true calling card, beyond his four national championships, has been his remarkable record for consistency.
With this as his calling card, let's hope Lee can get someone to bankroll his next feature more generously.