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Region: Global | Usage example: The climate report acted as a call to arms for the activists.

Call to arms

Meaning

An urgent request for action or support.

Usage

Used to rally people around causes needing immediate attention.

Origin & History

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

Military commanders literally called troops to arm themselves before battle.

16th-century war proclamations amplified the metaphor for civic campaigns.

Related Idioms

Wake-up call

An alert that prompts action or change.

Call it a day

Decide to stop doing something, typically work, for the rest of the day.

Call the shots

Be the one who makes decisions.

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.