C
Idioms beginning with "C"
Part of speech, explanation, example sentences, pronunciation
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Contents of C:
[calculated risk] {n.}
An action that may fail but is judged more likely to succeed.
The sending of troops to the rebellious island was a calculated risk.
[call]
See:
[AT CALL],
[AT ONE'S BECK AND CALL],
[CLOSE CALL],
[ON CALL],
[PORT OF CALL],
[POT CALLS THE KETTLE BLACK],
[WITHIN CALL].
[call a halt] {v. phr.}
To give a command to stop.
The scouts were tired during the hike, and the scoutmaster called a halt.
When the children's play, got too noisy, their mother called a halt.
[call a spade a spade] {v. phr.}
To call a person or thing a name that is true but not polite; speak bluntly; use the plainest language.
* /A boy took some money from Dick's desk and said he borrowed it, but I told him he stole it; I believe in calling […]
[call down] also [dress down] {v.}, {informal}
To scold.
Jim was called down by his teacher for being late to class.
Mother called Bob down for walking into the kitchen with muddy boots.
Compare:
[CALL ON THE CARPET],
[CHEW OUT],
[BAWL […]
[call for] {v.}
1. To come or go to get (someone or something).
John called for Mary to take her to the dance.
Syn.: [PICK UP].
2. To need; require.
The cake recipe calls for two cups of flour.
* /Success in school calls for much hard […]
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