verb
call it off
kawl it OFF
Call it off (verb) means to cancel something that had been arranged or was already under way. Example: “The weather closed in, so they called it off at half time.”
verb
1
To cancel something that had been arranged or was already under way.
"The weather closed in, so they called it off at half time."
"If the funding falls through we'll have to call it off."
2
To end a relationship or engagement.
"They called it off six weeks before the wedding."
3
To order a dog or a person to stop attacking or pursuing.
"Call it off — the man's already down!"
How to use call it off
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo cancel something that was planned.
When to use it
Informal but widely used, including in news reporting. 'It' can be replaced by a specific object: call off the search, call off the strike, call off the deal.
Memory tip
Calling something off cancels it entirely. Putting it off only delays it to another date.
Easily confused with
call out
call in
break it off
put it off
Common pairings
call off the wedding
call off the search
call off the strike
call off the deal
call the whole thing off
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If the funding falls through we'll have to _____.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
go ahead
proceed
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between 'call it off' and 'put it off'?
'Call it off' cancels the thing altogether, with no new date. 'Put it off' postpones it, with the intention of doing it later. A cancelled wedding is called off; a delayed meeting is put off.
What does 'call off the dogs' mean?
Literally it means ordering hunting or guard dogs to stop the chase. Figuratively it means telling people to stop pursuing, pressuring or attacking someone — often used of lawyers, journalists or investigators.
What is the meaning of call it off?
"call it off" (verb) means to cancel something that had been arranged or was already under way.
What is another word for call it off?
Other words for "call it off" include cancel, abandon, scrap, abort, scrub, break it off.
