PhrasesHub

Call it a day

    Definitions

      • to end an activity or task
        To declare that the day's work or activities are finished and it's time to stop and rest

      • to give up or quit
        To admit defeat or failure and decide to stop trying or working on something

      • to make a decision or call
        To make a final decision or judgment on a matter and end any further discussion or debate

    Examples of Call it a day

    • After working for eight hours straight, John decided to call it a day and head home.

      This idiom is used when someone wants to finish their work or activity for the day and leave. It can be applied to any type of work or activity, whether it's a job, a project, or a hobby. The phrase "call it a day" suggests that the person is ready to end their work for the day and go to sleep or do something else that is not related to work. It implies that the person has completed enough work for the day and does not want to continue any further.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "call it a day" is typically used to signify the end of a day's work or activities. It can also be used to indicate giving up or quitting on something, or making a final decision or judgment. In all cases, it is used to signal that it is time to stop and rest or move on to something else.

    Origin of "Call it a day"

    The origin of this idiom is believed to come from the world of theater. In the 1800s, stagehands would shout "call it a day" when it was time to wrap up rehearsals or performances for the day. This signaled to the actors and crew that it was time to stop and rest.

    Over time, the phrase became more widely used in everyday language to indicate the end of any kind of work or activity. It can also be seen as a shortened version of the phrase "call it a night," which also means to end the day's activities and go to bed.

    Overall, the idiom "call it a day" is a simple and effective way to communicate that it is time to stop and rest or move on to something else. Its origin in the theater world adds a touch of charm and history to this commonly used expression.