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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

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

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.