call names
name calling
To use ugly or unkind words when speaking to someone or when talking about someone. Usually used by or to children.
Bill got so mad he started calling Frank names.
call off
To stop (something planned); quit; cancel.
When the ice became soft and sloppy, we had to call off the ice-skating party.
The baseball game was called off because of rain.
The referee called off the soccer game because of the darkness.
The president called the meeting off because she had to leave town.
call on the carpet
To call (a person) before an authority (as a boss or teacher) for a scolding or reprimand.
The worker was called on the carpet by the boss for sleeping on the job.
The principal called Tom on the carpet and warned him to stop coming to school late.
call on
call upon
drop in on
To make a call upon; visit.
Mr. Brown called on an old friend while he was in the city.
Jose didn't know the answer when the teacher called on him.
Last night several friends called on us at our home.
To ask for help; to ask for a response from.
He called on a friend to give him money for the busfare to his home.
Why don't we drop in on Sally a little later?
call one's bluff
To ask someone to prove what he says he can or will do. (Originally from the card game of poker.)
Tom said he could jump twenty feet and so Dick called his bluff and said "Let's see you do it!"
My girlfriend always said that she did not want to get married so I called her bluff and asked her to marry me. She said yes.
Моя девушка всегда говорила, что не хочет выходить замуж, поэтому я решил вывести ее на чистую воду и попросил ее руки. Она сказала "да".
call one's shot
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.
call out
To shout; speak loudly.
My name was called out several times, but I was unable to hear it.
To summon someone.
If the rioting continues, the governor will have to call out the National Guard.
call the roll
To read out the names on a certain list, usually in alphabetical order.
The sergeant called the roll of the newly enlisted volunteers in the army.