Would you like to have the first call on you?

Today’s English
August 1st, 2017

It’s time to exploit the most frequently used word “call" a little more which can be used in several other expressions to breathe new life into our spoken English.

1.Clarion call = a strong request to make others do something

A.I made a clarion call to complete the work at the earliest.
B.We have everything readily available.  We’re waiting for your clarion call to commence the programme.

2.Wake-up call = an event that indirectly gives warning to do something immediately

A.The shop took the theft as a wake-up call for setting up the cctv camera.
B.This indefinite strike is going to be the wake-up call for government.

3.(Answer) the call of nature = to go to rest room (toilet)

A.Take 10 minutes break for answering the nature’s call and come fast.
B.I felt the call of nature and stopped the work for a while.

4.Judgment call = a decision based on your own judgement since there is no clear rule

A.I had no supporting files to move ahead and felt the judgement call.
B.Do You have any g.o. regarding this? No we all have to take it just a judgement call.

5.Call a meeting = to ask people assemble for a meeting

A.The principal called a meeting to discuss the problem.
B.We expect that the management will call a meeting in this regard next week.

6.On call = to be available for work if necessary or in urgency (especially police, doctors, etc)

A.Like a policeman  and doctor, nowadays even a lecturer has to be on call for doing any work other than teaching.
B.The hospital had nearly five on-call doctors.

7.Have first call on something/somebody = to give the priority/favour first

A.Let’s have first call on senior citizens.
B.On all Sundays, she has the first call on shopping.

“The women I know with strong personalities, the ones who might have become generals or the heads of companies if they were men, become teachers. Teaching is a calling, too. And I've always thought that teachers in their way are holy--angles leading their flocks out of the darkness.”
-Jeannette Walls, Half Broke Horses