The Meaning of “Call Up”
“Call up” is an idiomatic expression that can have different meanings depending on the situation. Generally speaking, it refers to bringing something or someone to mind or memory. It can also mean to summon someone for military service or a sports team. In some cases, it may refer to making a phone call.
Usage Examples
Here are some examples of how “call up” can be used:
- I haven’t seen my childhood friend in years but hearing that song always calls her up in my mind.
- The coach decided to call up some new players for the upcoming game.
- I need to call up my doctor’s office and schedule an appointment.
The context determines which interpretation applies when using this idiom. It’s important to understand these nuances so that you don’t misinterpret what someone means when they use this phrase.
The origin of this idiom isn’t clear but it has been around since at least the early 1800s. Its popularity has only grown over time as people continue to use it regularly in everyday conversation.
Origins and Historical Context of the Idiom “call up”
The phrase “call up” has been used in English language for centuries, but its meaning has evolved over time. This idiom is often used to describe the act of summoning someone or something, such as calling up a friend on the phone or calling up memories from the past. However, its origins can be traced back to military service.
During times of war, countries would call up their citizens to serve in the armed forces. This practice began in medieval times when feudal lords would summon their vassals to fight for them. In England, this system was formalized with the Militia Acts of 1661 and 1757 which allowed for conscription during times of war.
The term “call up” became widely used during World War I and II when millions of soldiers were drafted into military service. The phrase referred specifically to the process by which individuals were summoned to report for duty.
Today, while conscription is no longer practiced in many countries, the idiom “call up” continues to be used in various contexts beyond military service. It has become a part of everyday language that conveys a sense of urgency or importance when requesting someone’s presence or attention.
Usage and Variations of the Idiom “call up”
One common usage of this idiom is to refer to military service. In this context, “call up” means to summon individuals for active duty in the armed forces. This variation of the idiom is often used when a country is at war or facing a national emergency.
Another way in which “call up” can be used is to describe someone who has been selected or invited to participate in an event or activity. For example, if someone receives an invitation to speak at a conference, they may say that they were called up to do so.
In addition, “call up” can also be used when referring to memories or emotions that are brought back into one’s mind. For instance, if someone hears a song that reminds them of their childhood, they might say that it calls up memories from their past.
Furthermore, there are several variations of this idiom such as “Call Up Your Courage” which means gathering your strength and bravery before doing something difficult; “Call Up A Meeting” meaning arranging and inviting people for a meeting; and “Call Up A Friend” indicating getting in touch with someone you haven’t talked with for some time.
Synonyms, Antonyms, and Cultural Insights for the Idiom “call up”
Synonyms
- Summon
- Invoke
- Evoke
- Mobilize
- Recruit
- Draft
- Enlist
When we say someone is “calling up” something or someone, we can use any of these words instead. They all convey a similar idea of bringing forth or requesting something or someone’s presence.
Antonyms
- Dissolve
- Dismiss
- Disband
- Cease
- Halt
- Avoid taking the idiom too literally
- Use correct prepositions depending on what you’re referring to
- Consider context before using the idiom
- Avoid overusing idioms in conversation or writing
On the other hand, if we want to express the opposite meaning of “call up,” we can use one of these antonyms. They all suggest putting an end to something that was previously summoned or requested.
Cultural Insights:
In American culture, the idiom “call up” has a specific connotation related to military service. It refers to being drafted into military duty during times of war or national emergency. The last time there was a general call-up in America was during the Vietnam War in 1973. In contrast, in British English, calling someone up means phoning them on the phone.
Understanding synonyms and antonyms for idioms like “call up” helps us expand our vocabulary and better understand how language works across cultures.
Practical Exercises for the Idiom “call up”
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blank
In this exercise, you will be presented with a sentence that has a blank space where “call up” should go. Choose the correct form of “call up” from the options provided.
Example: I need to _____ my friend later tonight.
Options: call out / call off / call up
Answer: call up
1. Can you please _____ our boss and tell her about our progress?
Options: call out / call off / call up
2. He always manages to _____ old memories when we meet.
Options: call out / call off / call up
3. The coach decided to _____ two players from the bench for today’s game.
Options: call out / call off / call up
Exercise 2: Contextual Usage
In this exercise, you will be given a scenario where you have to use “call up” appropriately in a sentence.
Example Scenario:
You are planning a surprise party for your best friend’s birthday. You want to invite all his close friends but don’t have their contact details.
Task:
Write a sentence using “call up” that describes what you would do next.
Example Answer:
I’ll have to start calling up his friends one by one and get their contact details.
We hope these exercises have been helpful in improving your understanding and usage of the idiom “call up”. Keep practicing!
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using the Idiom “call up”
When using idioms, it’s important to understand their meanings and how they are used in context. The idiom “call up” can have several different interpretations depending on the situation it is used in. However, there are some common mistakes that people make when using this idiom.
Avoiding Literal Interpretations
The first mistake people make when using the idiom “call up” is taking it too literally. This phrase does not always mean physically calling someone on the phone or summoning them to a location. It can also refer to bringing something to mind or remembering something from the past.
Using Incorrect Prepositions
Another common mistake is using incorrect prepositions with this idiom. For example, saying “I called up at my friend’s house” instead of “I called up my friend at his house.” The correct preposition depends on what you are referring to – a person or a location.