Signification
To decide to stop working on something for the rest of the day.
Contexte culturel
In the US, 'calling it a day' is often used by managers to show they care about their employees' well-being, especially after a long project. In the UK, 'calling it a day' is frequently the precursor to 'going for a pint.' It marks the transition from the workplace to the social hub of the pub. While the English idiom is used, the concept of 'calling it a day' can be culturally difficult in Japan due to 'karoshi' (overwork) and the social pressure to stay until the boss leaves. For those working from home, 'calling it a day' is a mental ritual used to separate home life from work life when there is no physical office to leave.
Use it to be polite
If you want to leave a social event without being rude, 'call it a day' is a perfect, neutral excuse.
Don't forget the 'it'
Saying 'Call a day' sounds very strange to native speakers. Always keep the 'it'!
Signification
To decide to stop working on something for the rest of the day.
Use it to be polite
If you want to leave a social event without being rude, 'call it a day' is a perfect, neutral excuse.
Don't forget the 'it'
Saying 'Call a day' sounds very strange to native speakers. Always keep the 'it'!
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct idiom.
We have been working since 8 AM. It's 6 PM now, so let's ____ ____ ____ ____.
The full idiom is 'call it a day.'
Which situation is best for using 'call it a day'?
Choose the correct situation:
'Call it a day' means stopping work for the rest of the day.
Fill in the missing line in the dialogue.
Boss: 'You've done a great job on the presentation.' Employee: 'Thank you. Since it's finished, ____?'
The employee is asking for permission to finish work for the day.
Match the phrase to the time of day.
If it is 11:00 PM and you are stopping an activity, you should say:
'Call it a night' is the variation used late in the evening.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesWe have been working since 8 AM. It's 6 PM now, so let's ____ ____ ____ ____.
The full idiom is 'call it a day.'
Choose the correct situation:
'Call it a day' means stopping work for the rest of the day.
Boss: 'You've done a great job on the presentation.' Employee: 'Thank you. Since it's finished, ____?'
The employee is asking for permission to finish work for the day.
If it is 11:00 PM and you are stopping an activity, you should say:
'Call it a night' is the variation used late in the evening.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsUsually no. For relationships, we say 'call it quits.' 'Call it a day' is for work or activities.
Yes, it is neutral and professional. However, make sure you have actually finished your work first!
'Finish work' is literal. 'Call it a day' is an idiom that sounds more natural and conversational.
Yes! People often say 'Let's call it a week' on Friday afternoons.
It is neutral. It's fine for the office, but you wouldn't use it in a formal legal contract.
Not necessarily. It usually just means you are done for today and will continue tomorrow.
No. Use 'take a break' for short pauses.
Yes: 'We called it a day.'
In English, 'it' is often used as a 'dummy subject' or 'dummy object' to refer to a general situation.
It's very rare. We almost always use 'day' or 'night.'
Expressions liées
Call it a night
similarTo stop an activity late in the evening.
Call it quits
similarTo stop doing something permanently or settle a score.
Wrap it up
builds onTo finish the final parts of something.
Knock off
synonymTo finish work.
