call back

What does "call back" mean?

1. To return a phone call
2. To ask someone to return for another interview or audition
3. To recall a defective product

Examples

• Sorry I missed your call - I'll call you back in five minutes.
• The company called back the defective cars.
• She got called back for a second interview.
• Can you call back later? I'm in a meeting.
• The theatre called her back for the lead role.

How to use it

'Callback' (noun) is very common in audition contexts. Product recalls are often described as 'calling back' items.

Word order

Object can go between: 'call them back' or 'call back the customer'

Similar expressions

Related phrasal verbs

• call off

  To cancel an event or activity

• call up

  To telephone someone

• call in

  To phone a workplace to report absence or give information

• call out

  To publicly criticize or challenge someone

• call for

  To demand or require something

• get back

  To return to a place