Meaning & use
make the call
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Meanings
phraseidiom
to make an important decision, especially after thinking about it.
Grammar: Often used with on: make the call on something. It is common in business and sports.
Patterns
- make the call on something
- make the call about something
- make the call to do something
The manager has to make the call on which players will start.
After weeks of discussion, the committee finally made the call.
phraseidiom
to decide which option is right in a situation, often quickly.
Grammar: Used when someone has the authority or responsibility to decide.
Patterns
- make the call
- make the right call
- make a tough call
It was a tough call, but she made the right one.
You're the expert; you make the call.
Common combinations
- make the right call
- He made the right call by waiting for more information.
- make a tough call
- Choosing a new CEO was a tough call for the board.
- make the call on something
- The judge will make the call on whether the evidence is allowed.
Synonyms and how they differ
- decide
- This is the general verb; make the call is more informal and often suggests a final or official decision.
- call the shots
- This means to be in charge and control what happens, not just to make one decision.
Opposites
Commonly confused: make the call or make a call?
make the call vs make a call
Make a call usually means to telephone someone, while make the call means to decide.
Practice
What does 'make the call' mean in this sentence? 'The coach had to make the call about who would play in the final.'
Choose one answer.
'Make the call' here means to decide. 'Make a call' would mean to telephone, which does not fit the context.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “make the call”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.