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Region: US | Usage example: The supervisor called him on the carpet after the error.

Call on the carpet

Meaning

Summon someone for a reprimand.

Usage

Used when authority figures demand explanations.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Employees summoned to stand on the carpet before a manager.

Used in 19th-century military academies and offices.

Related Idioms

Call to the carpet

Summon someone to report for a reprimand.

Call the shots

Be the one who makes decisions.

Call it quits

Stop doing something.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.