call out
call out
1. To announce something. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "call" and "out." Once everyone is seated, the host will call out the winners' names. If you've got Bingo, call it out!
2. To shout in an attempt to draw attention to oneself. I called out to my best friend when I saw her walking down the street, but she had headphones on and couldn't hear me. My husband came running when he heard me call out for help.
3. To confront one about one's misdeeds or unpleasant behavior. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "call" and "out." If your intern keeps coming in late, you need to call her out on it.
4. To challenge one to a fight. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "call" and "out." I wouldn't call that guy out—I know for a fact that he carries a knife.
5. To request one's aid or presence. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "call" and "out." When that case had me stumped, I called another detective out to review it with me. The president called out military troops when the situation became unstable.
6. To utilize something, often a quality or skill. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "call" and "out." The championship game was so intense that I really had to call out my mental toughness just to get through it.
7. To order something by phone. Just tell me what you want for dinner, and I'll call out for it.
See also: call, out
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
call someone or something out
to request the services of someone or a group. (See also call someone up; call someone out.) Things got bad enough that the governor called the militia out. The governor called out the militia.
See also: call, out
call someone out
to challenge someone to a fight. Wilbur wanted to call him out, but thought better of it. Why did you call out that guy? He used to be a prizefighter!
See also: call, out
call something out
1. to draw on something, such as a particular quality or talent. It's times like these that call the best out in us. These times call out our best effort.
2. to shout out something. Who called the warning out? You should call out a warning to those behind you on the trail.
See also: call, out
call out (to someone)
to speak loudly to get someone's attention. Mike called out to Tom that there was a telephone call for him. I heard someone call out, but I could see no one.
See also: call, out
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
call out
1. Summon into action or service, as in The governor called out the militia. [Mid-1400s]
2. Challenge to a fight, as in To avenge the insult, Arthur called him out. This term originated with dueling and is dying out. [Early 1800s]
See also: call, out
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
call out
v.
1. To shout: When I realized I was trapped, I called out for help. I called out from the porch for lemonade.
2. To say something in a loud voice; announce something: The announcer called out the names of the runners as they crossed the finish line. The conductor called the station name out as we pulled up.
3. To request the services of someone or something: The mayor called out the guard to suppress the riots. We called the veterinarian out to the farm to examine one of the calves.
4. To challenge someone or something: When I insulted his mother, he called me out.
5. To order food from a restaurant by telephone: If you don't want to cook, we can just call out for pizza.
See also: call, out
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
call someone out
tv. to challenge someone to a fight. Max wanted to call him out but thought better of it.
See also: call, out, someone
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
- call someone out
- call up
- call about
- call about (something)
- call back
- call down
- no call for
- no call for (something)
- Can I have (one) call you?
- Could I have call you?