call off

What does "call off" mean?

1. To cancel an event or activity
2. To order a dog or person to stop attacking

Examples

• They had to call off the wedding due to the pandemic.
• The game was called off because of rain.
• Call off your dog - he's scaring the children!
• The union called off the strike after reaching an agreement.
• We should call off the search - it's getting dark.

How to use it

Very common for cancelling plans. Often used in passive voice: 'The event was called off.'

Word order

Object can go between: 'call it off' or 'call off the meeting'

Similar expressions

Opposites

Related phrasal verbs

• call up

  To telephone someone

• call back

  To return a phone call

• 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

• turn off

  To stop a device or appliance by pressing a switch or button