call time

call timeverb

• 1

  To announce the closing of a pub for the day.

  • Let's have another pint quickly, before the landlord calls time.
• 2

  To end something.

  • The boxer is ready to call time on his long career.
  • "I'll be on my way. Hope your friend comes around all right. Going to call time on him sharp?" "I should say not!" said the other. "I'll give him half an hour at least. If Jimmy is alive on earth he'll be here by that time. So long, officer."
• 3

  hobbieslifestylesportsTo call a timeout.

• 4

  educationTo indicate that an activity, especially the taking of a test, is complete.

  • The teacher called time, and there were a few groans. (Some children pleaded for more time, another just said it was really hard, and a few others agreed that this was really cool.)

call timenoun

• 1

  The expected time of arrival for participants in a performance event, e.g., a play or concert.

  • The performance starts at 2pm; call time is 11am for crew, noon for musicians.