call to account
To ask (someone) to explain why he did something wrong (as breaking a rule).
The principal called Jim to account after Jim left school early without permission.
To scold (as for wrong conduct); reprimand.
The father called his son to account for disobeying him.
call to arms
To summon into the army.
During World War II millions of Americans were called to arms to fight for their country.
call to mind
To remember; cause to remember.
Your story calls to mind a similar event that happened to us a few years back.
call to order
To open (a meeting) formally.
The chairman called the committee to order.
The president pounded with his gavel to call the convention to order.
To warn not to break the rules of a meeting.
The judge called the people in the court room to order when they talked too loud.
call up
To make someone think of; bring to mind; remind.
The picture of the Capitol called up memories of our class trip.
To tell to come (as before a court).
The district attorney called up three witnesses.
To bring together for a purpose; bring into action.
Jim called up all his strength, pushed past the players blocking him, and ran for a touchdown.
The army called up its reserves when war seemed near.
To call on the telephone. To call can be used instead of to call up.
She called up a friend just for a chat.
I forgot to call up Mr. Jones yesterday I'd better call him now.
Call me up tomorrow, Jane. We'll arrange a time to have lunch together.
I promise to give you a call as soon as I arrive in New York.
I promise to give you a call as soon as I arrive in New York.
calling down
dressing down
give one a dressing down
A scolding; reprimand.
The judge gave the boy a calling down for speeding.
The sergeant gave the soldier a good dressing down because his shoes were not shined.
close call
close shave
A situation involving a narrow escape from danger.
That sure was a close call when that truck came near us from the right!
When Tim fell off his bicycle in front of a bus, it was a very close shave.
Bob, that car nearly hit us! What a close call.
We had a close call when a small fire in our kitchen almost spread to the rest of the house.
duty calls
One must attend to one's obligations.
"I'd love to stay and play more poker," Henry said, "but duty calls and I must get back to the office."