call off the dogs: Idiom Meaning and Origin

"Call off the dogs" is a common idiom in American English that means to stop or end an aggressive or hostile action. The phrase originated from the practice of hunting with dogs, where hunters would release their dogs to chase and capture their prey. When someone says "call off the dogs," they are using it metaphorically to mean putting an end to aggressive behavior or stopping an intense pursuit.

The idiom "call off the dogs" can be used both literally and figuratively. In its literal sense, it is used to command hunting dogs to stop chasing their prey. This command is given by the hunter to signal the dogs to cease their pursuit when they no longer want the prey to be caught or killed.

In a figurative sense, "call off the dogs" is used to ask someone to stop aggressively pursuing or attacking someone or something. It implies a request to end a campaign or intense aggression against a person, idea, or situation. The idiom can be applied to various scenarios, including conflicts, investigations, or debates, to suggest a need to deescalate or discontinue relentless and aggressive actions for a more peaceful or controlled resolution.

There are several related idioms that convey similar meanings to "call off the dogs". One such idiom is "chase off", which means to drive away or force someone or something to leave by pursuing or attacking them. It can be used interchangeably with "call off the dogs" in situations where someone wants to stop an aggressive pursuit or attack.

Another related idiom is "back off", which also means to withdraw or retreat from a situation or confrontational position. It conveys the idea of stopping an aggressive action or pursuit and can be used similarly to "call off the dogs" in contexts where someone wants to halt an intense aggression.

The idiom "lay off" is yet another related phrase that means to stop or cease doing something, especially in terms of criticizing, attacking, or pursuing someone. Like "call off the dogs," it suggests putting an end to aggressive behavior or stopping an intense pursuit.

Additionally, the idiom "go to the dogs" can be related to "call off the dogs". It means to deteriorate or decline in quality, character, or success. While it does not directly convey the idea of stopping aggression or pursuit, it implies a negative outcome or result, which can be seen as the consequence of not calling off the dogs when necessary.

Lastly, the idiom "leave off" can also be associated with "call off the dogs". It means to stop or cease an action, typically voluntarily. It can be used interchangeably with "call off the dogs" in situations where someone wants to put an end to an aggressive pursuit or hostile action.

"call off the dogs" is an idiom that originated from hunting with dogs and is commonly used in American English. It is used to signify putting an end to aggressive behavior or halting an intense pursuit. Whether used literally or figuratively, the idiom conveys the idea of stopping an attack or aggression, allowing for a more peaceful resolution. While its exact origin remains unclear, the phrase has become embedded in American English and continues to be used in various contexts.