nature calls: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘nature calls’ mean?
The idiom "nature calls" is used to express the need to go to the bathroom or answer the call of nature.
Idiom Explorer
An idiom that refers to taking a break or having a period of rest from work or other responsibilities.
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The idiom "on the spot" means to do something immediately or to be put in a situation where one is required to perform or make a decision without any preparation or advance notice.
The idiom "on the horn" means to be talking on the telephone. It is often used to indicate a conversation or discussion taking place over the phone.
The idiom "on the go" means to be busy or occupied with various activities or tasks, without much time for rest or relaxation.
An idiom, "one moment," is often used to ask for a brief pause or to indicate a short delay in a conversation or an action.
The idiom "on demand" means something that is available or provided immediately when requested or desired.
The idiom "now or never" means that something must be done immediately or it will never be possible to do it. It emphasizes the urgency of taking action without delay.
Unleashing the Wild
Nature calls is an idiom used to express the need to urinate or defecate. The idiom implies that the person's body is signaling them to respond to the call of nature, urging them to find a suitable place to relieve themselves.
While the exact origin of this idiom is uncertain, it is believed to have originated from the general observation that when a person needs to use the bathroom, their body often gives them physical signals, such as discomfort or a feeling of urgency. These signals can be seen as a call from nature, prompting them to find a suitable location to attend to their bodily needs.
The idiom "nature calls" is widely used in both informal and formal contexts. It is used to convey a need to use the restroom or bathroom facilities, often in a more polite or discreet manner. The idiom is especially common in situations where the need to relieve oneself is immediate or urgent, such as during a long car ride or when in a public place without readily available restroom facilities.
Interestingly, the idiom "nature calls" can also be used metaphorically to indicate a strong desire or urge for something unrelated to bodily functions. For example, someone might say "nature calls" to express a strong desire to eat a particular type of food or to engage in an enjoyable activity. This usage highlights the versatility and adaptability of the idiom.
It is worth noting that the idiom "nature calls" is primarily used in American English. While it may be understood in other English-speaking countries, it may not be as commonly used or recognized. This regional specificity adds to the idiom's uniqueness and gives it a distinct cultural association with the United States.
The idiom "nature calls" can be related to the idioms "answer the call of nature", "do one's business", "duty calls", "call up", and "time off". Each of these idioms has its own unique meaning and usage, but they all revolve around the concept of responding to a call or urge.
The idiom "answer the call of nature" is similar to "nature calls" in that it also refers to the need to use the restroom or bathroom facilities. However, "answer the call of nature" emphasizes the act of responding to the bodily urge, implying that one should not ignore or delay the need to relieve themselves.
The idiom "do one's business" is another way to express the act of using the restroom or bathroom facilities. It is a more informal and colloquial expression that can be used in both casual and formal settings. Like "nature calls", "do one's business" suggests the need to attend to one's bodily needs promptly.
The idiom "duty calls" has a slightly different connotation. It is used to describe a situation where a person feels compelled or obligated to leave their current activity or situation to attend to a more pressing matter. While "duty calls" does not directly refer to the need to use the restroom, it shares a similar sense of urgency and the need to respond to a call or demand.
The idiom "call up" is unrelated to bodily functions but is still relevant in the context of responding to a call. It refers to the act of contacting or summoning someone, often for a specific purpose or task. While "call up" is not directly related to using the restroom, it aligns with the concept of responding to a call or request.
The idiom "time off" also relates to the concept of responding to a call, but in this case, it refers to taking a break or vacation from work or other responsibilities. While "time off" does not directly connect to the bodily urge to use the restroom, it is still linked by the idea of responding to a call or need, in this case, the need for rest and relaxation.
The idiom "nature calls" and its related idioms highlight the universal experience of responding to a call or urge, whether it be a bodily need or a demand for action. These idioms provide a colorful and expressive way to communicate these needs and highlight the importance of attending to them promptly and respectfully.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "nature calls" can be used in a sentence:
- I need to find a restroom quickly because nature calls.
- Excuse me, nature is calling and I need to answer.
- I couldn't concentrate on the meeting because nature was calling and I was desperate for a bathroom break.
The idiom "nature calls" is commonly used to refer to the need to use the restroom or answer the call of nature. It is often used as a polite or euphemistic way to excuse oneself in order to use the bathroom. The phrase implies a natural bodily urge that requires immediate attention or action.
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