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called into action

idiom

Definition of called into action

: asked to start working or doing a particular task
  • As a doctor, she can be called into action at any time of the day.
  • Our military unit was called into action at the start of the war.

Word by Word Definitions

call play called

  1. : to speak in a loud distinct voice so as to be heard at a distance : shout

  2. : to make a request or demand

  3. : to utter a characteristic note or cry

  1. : an act of calling with the voice : shout

  2. : an imitation of the cry of a bird or other animal made to attract it

  3. : an instrument used for calling

See the full definition of call
action play

  1. : a thing done : deed

  2. : the accomplishment of a thing usually over a period of time, in stages, or with the possibility of repetition

  3. : behavior, conduct

See the full definition of action

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