kɔːl taɪm ɒn ˈsʌmθɪŋ
Time
neutral
intermediate
- Literally:
- to announce the time on an activity
What does "call time on something" mean?
- to put an end to something
- to declare that something is finished
Examples
- The manager called time on the project after months of delays.
- She finally called time on her unhappy marriage.
- The board called time on the CEO's controversial leadership.
Origin
From British pub culture, where the landlord 'calls time' to announce last orders before closing.
How to use it
More common in British English. Implies a decisive, sometimes overdue, ending.
Similar expressions
put an end to
wrap up
bring to a close
pull the plug on
Opposites
continue
carry on
extend
Related idioms
- in the long run
Over a long period of time
- better late than never
It's better to do something late than not to do it at all
- from time to time
occasionally, not regularly
- in the nick of time
Just in time; at the last possible moment
- run out of time
to have no more time left to do something
- time flies when you're having fun
Enjoyable moments seem to pass quickly
Use it in a practice answer
Try "call time on something" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.