call it a day

/ˌkɔl ɪt ə ˈdeɪ/
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To stop an activity because enough has been done for now.

Examples

  • After three hours of revision, Maya called it a day and went for a walk.
  • The rain got heavier, and the crew decided to call it a day.
  • I'm not calling it a day until this last email is sent.
  • After twenty years on stage, the singer may finally call it a day.
  • Are you ready to call it a day, or do you want to paint one more wall?

Similar words

pack it in
knock off
call it quits
wrap things up

Meanings

Stop for now

everyday
informal
To stop working or doing an activity for the rest of the day or for the present, usually because enough has been done or there is little point in continuing.

Examples

  • We've finished the urgent tasks, so let's call it a day.
  • After three hours of revision, Maya called it a day and went for a walk.
  • Are you ready to call it a day, or do you want to paint one more wall?
  • The rain got heavier, and the crew decided to call it a day.
  • I'm not calling it a day until this last email is sent.
  • After twenty years on stage, the singer may finally call it a day.

Similar words

Etymology

The expression treats the work already done as a complete day. It grew from older uses in which part of a day's work was counted as a full day, and the modern sense of stopping work is recorded from the early 1900s.

FAQ

What does call it a day mean?

To call it a day means to stop working or doing an activity for now, often because enough has been done.

Is call it a day informal?

Yes. Call it a day is common in relaxed conversation and informal workplace speech.

Does call it a day always mean stopping until tomorrow?

No. Call it a day can mean stopping for the rest of the day or simply ending an activity for the present.

Can call it a day mean retiring?

Yes. In context, call it a day can mean ending a career or a long period of activity.

What is the difference between call it a day and call it a night?

Call it a day ends work or another activity, while call it a night usually ends an evening activity or means going to bed.

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