call to account: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘call to account’ mean?
The idiom "call to account" means to hold someone responsible or to demand an explanation for their actions or behavior.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "take to task" means to reprimand or scold someone for their actions or behavior, usually in a stern or disciplinary manner.
The idiom "hold someone's feet to the fire" means to put pressure on someone or hold them accountable for their actions or words.
The idiom "duty calls" means that one must fulfill their obligations or responsibilities, even if it interferes with personal desires or preferences.
The idiom "do somebody wrong" means to treat or behave towards someone in an unfair or unjust manner.
The idiom "do justice" means to accurately or adequately represent or portray something. It implies that the subject or object should be given the recognition or treatment it deserves and not be underestimated or downplayed.
The idiom "Daniel come to judgement" means a person or group is being held accountable or facing a situation where their actions and decisions are being evaluated. It is often used in legal or moral contexts.
The idiom "cry foul" is used to express a complaint or protest about something, often when someone believes that unfair or unjust actions have taken place. It is commonly used in situations where one believes that the rules have been violated or that there has been dishonesty or wrongdoing.
The idiom "come to mention it" is used when someone suddenly remembers or brings up a particular topic or point during a conversation.
The idiom "come clean" means to confess or admit the truth, especially after hiding or denying it. It implies being honest and transparent about a situation or wrongdoing.
The idiom "catch it" is used to convey that someone is in trouble or facing criticism or punishment for something they have done. It implies that they will face negative consequences or receive a reprimand for their actions.
Unveiling the Implications
Call to account is an idiom commonly used in American English. It refers to holding someone responsible or accountable for their actions, typically in a formal manner.
The phrase has its roots in the legal and financial contexts, dating back to the late 16th century. Back then, it was used to summon someone to appear before a court or authority to answer for their actions, ensuring that individuals were brought to justice.
Over time, the meaning of "call to account" expanded beyond its legal origins. Today, it is used in various settings, including business, politics, and personal relationships, to express the idea of holding someone responsible or asking them to justify their actions or decisions.
When someone is called to account, it implies a sense of urgency or necessity for them to provide an explanation or face the consequences of their behavior. This can involve being held accountable for mistakes, misconduct, or poor judgment.
In a business or workplace setting, for example, a manager may call an employee to account for a failure to meet targets or for a breach of company policies or ethical standards.
The phrase "call to account" also emphasizes the idea of authority or power. It suggests that the person initiating the call has the right or ability to demand justification or take action.
Just as one can "call to account" someone, one might also "call out" their actions. "Call out" is another idiom related to holding someone accountable. It involves publicly or directly addressing and criticizing someone's behavior or actions. It can be seen as a more confrontational approach compared to "calling to account."
In addition to "call out," another related idiom is "take to task." This phrase also refers to addressing someone's behavior directly and holding them accountable for their actions. It implies a level of seriousness and a desire to address the issue head-on.
Another related term is "callout." In the context of holding someone accountable, a callout refers to publicly identifying and addressing someone's behavior or actions, often with the intention of shaming or drawing attention to their wrongdoing.
Similarly, the idiom "hold someone's feet to the fire" can be used interchangeably to convey the idea of holding someone accountable or responsible for their actions. It suggests keeping a close watch on someone and not letting them escape the consequences of their behavior.
Lastly, we have the idiom "bring to justice." This phrase is often used in legal contexts to refer to the act of ensuring that someone is held accountable for their actions and faces the appropriate consequences. It implies that the person who committed the act will be brought before a court or authority to answer for their behavior.
As you can see, "call to account" is a versatile and widely used idiom that conveys the importance of holding individuals responsible for their actions. Whether it's "calling out," "taking to task," or "bringing to justice," these related idioms emphasize the need for accountability in various aspects of life.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "call to account" can be used in a sentence:
1. The board of directors decided to call the CEO to account for the company's financial loss.
2. It is important to call politicians to account for their promises and actions.
3. The judge will call the witness to account for any discrepancies in their testimony.
More "Responsibility" idioms
