call down
يوبخ
Literalmente: To summon or shout downwards
Use `call down` when an authority figure gives a serious, formal scolding for a significant mistake.
En 15 segundos
- To severely scold or reprimand someone for a mistake.
- Usually involves an authority figure and a subordinate.
- Implies a serious, heavy, and often public verbal lecture.
Significado
To 'call down' someone means to strongly scold or reprimand them for doing something wrong. It is like a serious verbal lecture where someone in authority tells you exactly why they are unhappy with your behavior.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6A boss reacting to a late employee
The director called down the clerk for missing the deadline.
The director scolded the clerk for missing the deadline.
A teacher catching a student misbehaving
Mr. Smith called her down in front of the whole class.
Mr. Smith reprimanded her in front of the whole class.
Texting a friend about a strict parent
My dad totally called me down for denting the car.
My dad really yelled at me for denting the car.
Contexto cultural
The phrase evokes a sense of traditional hierarchy, originating from times when superiors literally stood on higher ground or floors. It gained popularity in 19th-century literature to describe stern moral reprimands. Today, it is less common than 'call out' but remains a staple in formal writing and Southern US dialects.
The Power of Authority
Only use this when there is a clear difference in rank. If you use it on a peer, you'll sound like you're acting like their boss!
Don't confuse with 'Call Out'
`Call out` is for social awareness or challenges; `Call down` is specifically about a superior scolding an inferior.
En 15 segundos
- To severely scold or reprimand someone for a mistake.
- Usually involves an authority figure and a subordinate.
- Implies a serious, heavy, and often public verbal lecture.
What It Means
Imagine a boss or a parent standing on a balcony shouting down at you. That is the energy of call down. It means to scold or reprimand someone severely. It is more than just a quick 'don't do that.' It is a formal or heavy verbal correction. You are being told off because you messed up. It carries a weight of authority and disappointment.
How To Use It
You usually use this phrase when an authority figure is involved. You can call down a subordinate, a student, or even a child. The structure is simple: call down [person]. You can also say call someone down. For example, 'The manager called him down for being late.' It sounds a bit old-fashioned but very powerful. Use it when the scolding is serious and public.
When To Use It
Use it in professional or semi-formal settings. It fits perfectly when a teacher catches a student cheating. It works at the office when a project fails due to laziness. You might use it when describing a strict parent. It is great for storytelling to show tension. If the atmosphere feels heavy after a mistake, this is your phrase. It implies a 'dressing down' or a stern lecture.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for a light joke with friends. If your friend spills a drink, you don't call them down. That would sound way too aggressive and weird. Avoid using it for small, accidental mistakes. It is not for gentle suggestions or 'constructive feedback.' If you use it for a minor issue, you will sound like a drill sergeant. Also, don't use it with your boss—unless you want to get fired!
Cultural Background
This phrase has roots in old English traditions of hierarchy. It often referred to 'calling down' a curse or divine anger in ancient times. Later, it shifted to mean a superior summoning someone to be disciplined. In American English, it is sometimes shortened to just 'calling someone out.' However, call down remains the more 'official' sounding version of a scold. It feels like the person is being brought 'down' a notch.
Common Variations
You might hear call someone out, which is more modern and social. There is also dress down, which is very similar but focuses on the intensity. Read the riot act is a much more dramatic British variation. Call on the carpet is a corporate version of the same idea. Each one implies that someone is in big trouble. Stick to call down when you want to sound firm but traditional.
Notas de uso
This phrase is best reserved for formal writing or describing serious situations. It carries a tone of 'old-world' authority and is less common in modern slang than 'calling someone out'.
The Power of Authority
Only use this when there is a clear difference in rank. If you use it on a peer, you'll sound like you're acting like their boss!
Don't confuse with 'Call Out'
`Call out` is for social awareness or challenges; `Call down` is specifically about a superior scolding an inferior.
Old School Vibes
This phrase sounds a bit 'old-fashioned' or Southern US. Using it makes you sound very articulate and serious.
Ejemplos
6The director called down the clerk for missing the deadline.
The director scolded the clerk for missing the deadline.
Shows a clear professional hierarchy where the boss is the authority.
Mr. Smith called her down in front of the whole class.
Mr. Smith reprimanded her in front of the whole class.
Highlights the public nature of the scolding.
My dad totally called me down for denting the car.
My dad really yelled at me for denting the car.
Used to describe a serious family lecture.
The cat looked at me like he was calling me down for late dinner.
The cat looked at me like he was scolding me for late dinner.
Personifies the cat to make the serious phrase funny.
The coach called down the team for their lack of effort.
The coach reprimanded the team for their lack of effort.
Used in a high-pressure sports environment.
I knew I would be called down as soon as they saw the report.
I knew I would be scolded as soon as they saw the report.
Expresses the anticipation of a reprimand.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the correct word to complete the formal reprimand.
The supervisor had to ___ the staff member down for the security breach.
The phrase is `call down`, which specifically means to reprimand formally.
Complete the sentence to describe a public scolding.
It was embarrassing when the librarian called him ___ for talking too loudly.
While `call out` is common, `call down` emphasizes the authority of the librarian reprimanding the person.
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Ayudas visuales
Formality of Scolding
Telling someone off
Tell off
Confronting a behavior
Call out
A serious reprimand
Call down
Official disciplinary action
Reprimand
Where to use 'Call Down'
Office
Boss to employee
School
Principal to student
Home
Strict parent to child
Sports
Coach to athlete
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNot exactly. While it can involve yelling, call down implies a formal reprimand or a lecture, whereas yelling is just about volume.
Technically no. The phrase implies a downward direction of authority. You would call out your boss, but you can't call them down.
It is rare in casual texting. You would usually say 'my boss chewed me out' or 'my mom yelled at me' instead of called me down.
No, a call down can be a very quiet, stern, and terrifying lecture. It is about the authority, not the decibels.
Yes, a teacher can call down the entire class if they are being rowdy or disrespectful.
Reprimand is the most formal dictionary term. Call down is a slightly more idiomatic, traditional way to say the same thing.
It is understood but much more common in American English, particularly in literature or older films.
Only metaphorically or humorously. You don't usually call down a dog; you just scold it.
Use call down for the present tense and called down for the past. For example: 'He will call you down if you are late.'
No, that would be 'calling down to' a room (like a hotel lobby). Call down as an idiom always means scolding.
Frases relacionadas
Dress down
To scold someone severely, often in public.
Chew out
To yell at someone angrily (more informal).
Call on the carpet
To be summoned by an authority to answer for a mistake.
Take to task
To criticize someone for their faults or errors.
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