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Region: General | Usage example: He called out the vendor for hiding fees.

Call someone out

Meaning

Challenge someone publicly on their actions.

Usage

Used for demanding accountability.

Origin & History

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

From boxing, calling opponents into the ring.

Shifted from sports talk into corporate culture around the 20th century.

Related Idioms

Call your bluff

Challenge someone who is suspected of lying or exaggerating.

Give someone the cold shoulder

Ignore or snub someone intentionally.

Let someone off the hook

Release someone from responsibility.

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.