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call it a day

/kɔːl ɪt ə deɪ/
phrase★Intermediate
◆ What It Really Means
To decide to stop working or engaging in an activity for the day.
¶ Literal Meaning
To name or refer to something as 'a day'.
Literal Breakdown
callto name or refer to+itsomething unspecified+a daya 24-hour period
◇ Mental Image
The mental image of concluding a day's work or activity, often when tired or satisfied with the day's accomplishments.
◈ When to Use
After a long day at the office, a colleague says, 'I think we should call it a day,' suggesting everyone should stop working and go home.
◉ Cultural Note
This phrase reflects the cultural value of work-life balance, emphasizing the importance of rest and concluding work when appropriate.
informal

To decide to stop working or doing an activity for the day, especially when tired or when enough has been accomplished.

The team was exhausted, so they called it a day at 4 PM.

The team stopped working early because they were tired.

I've been working all morning; I think I'll call it a day.

I've decided to stop working for the day.

💡

This phrase is commonly used in workplaces or after a long day of activity.

Collocations

call it a nightto stop an activity for the night

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

call it quitsphrase
to stop doing something permanently

💡Pro Tip

Usage Context

Use this phrase when you want to indicate that you're done for the day, either because you're tired or because you've completed your tasks.

⚡Gold Rule

Informal Context

This phrase is informal and should be used in casual or work settings, not in formal or professional writing.

📖Word Origin

The phrase likely originated in the early 20th century, reflecting the idea of concluding a day's work or activity.

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is informal and commonly used in everyday conversation, especially in work or social settings.

Word Breakdown

call
to declare or decide
verb
+
it
the day's work or activity
pronoun
+
a day
the current day or period of activity
noun phrase
English Dictionary

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