phrases using the word “call”

Call it quits

To give up an attempt to do something

“Both presidents were for the merger but they were forced to call it quits when their shareholders voted it down.”

Call one's bluff

To expose one's false threat

“Our boss called Sekine-san's bluff; she said she'd quit if she didn't get transferred to New York, but she didn't.”

Call the shots

T make the decisions, be in control

“Tanaka-san may have the title of President, but Honda-san, the largest shareholder, calls the shots.”

Call it a day

To stop working for the rest of the day

“Why don't we double-check these last ten pages of financial projections and then call it a day?”

Call a spade a spade

To speak frankly

“If you want to know what is really going on at the factory, talk to Hayashi-san; he will call a spade a spade.”