Today's Idioms

CALL (SOMEONE) ON THE CARPET
to confront or hold someone responsible for some misdeed
1. The student tried to make the teacher think that his report was original, but the teacher knew it wasn’t, and called him on the carpet.
2. I got called on the carpet for being late again.
Synonyms: rake (someone) over the coals; chew (someone) out; read (someone) the riot act
This phrase originates from the military, where it used to be that only senior officers had carpet in their offices. To be called on the carpet meant that a lower-ranking soldier was brought into the senior’s office to be formally reprimanded for an offense.

CALL (SOMEONE’S) BLUFF
to challenge someone to carry out a threat or prove the truth of a statement
1. I told my parents that I had gotten passing grades in all my classes, but they didn’t believe me. They called my bluff and asked to see my report card.
2. The bank robber threatened to shoot the bank guard, but the guard called the robber’s bluff by walking up to him and taking away his gun.
This idiom is based on the literal meaning of this phrase as used in card games such as poker. A player who is bluffing may pretend to have a winning hand when in fact he or she does not. To call one’s bluff in poker is to challenge one to show his or her cards.

CALL A SPADE A SPADE
to speak plainly or call something by its right name, even if it is unpleasant
1. Some people say Ben is generous with his money, but I call a spade a spade. He’s not generous, he’s foolish.
2. It’s polite of you to refer to them as “lively” children, but let’s call a spade a spade. They are actually very naughty.
Antonym: beat about/around the bush
The expression is usually used when something is described more favorably than it deserves. Call a spade a spade is a request for a more realistic description. The phrase dates back to ancient Greece, where the words for “spade,” “boat,” and “bowl” were very similar; the original translation my have been ‘call a boat a boat

CALL THE SHOTS
to be in control or to give orders
1. In this classroom, the teacher is in control. The teacher calls the shots, not the students.
2. The lawyer tried to take control of the courtroom, but the judge reminded him that it is the judge who calls the shots.
This idiom stems from use in sports that involve aiming. For example, in darts, the thrower might call out the exact spot he/she expects to hit on the target. Calling the shots well shows the player to be in control of the outcome.

CAN OF WORMS, OPEN A
a situation that contains many unexpected and unwanted problems and consequences
1. The company’s management thought their new policy would increase employee productivity, but instead it opened a whole new can of worms.
2. His situation is completely messed up; it’s a can of worms that I’m happy not to have to deal with.
Synonym: Pandora’s box, open a

CARRY A TORCH (FOR SOMEONE)
to be in love with someone, usually someone who does not love in return
1. Why don’t you find a new boyfriend? Don’t spend your life carrying a torch for someone who doesn’t love you anymore.
2. Sara will never remarry. She will always carry a torch for Henry.
The expression suggests that love is a flame in the heart.

CARRY THE BALL
to take on work or responsibility in order to keep a project moving forward
1. We need more people to help get this work done on time. Are you going to sit there and do nothing or are you going to help carry the ball?
2. The people in the office were sorry to see Amira leave the company. She was such a dependable worker and you could always count on her to carry the ball.

CHEW (SOMEONE) OUT [GET CHEWED OUT]
to scold someone harshly
1. When Peggy came home three hours late, her parents were very angry. They chewed her out and told her she was restricted for two weeks.
2. The newspaper boy got chewed out by Mrs. James when he ran through her flower garden.
Compare to: read (someone) the riot act; rake (someone) over the coals; call (someone) on the carpet; give (someone) a piece of (one’s) mind

CHEW (SOMETHING) OVER
to think slowly and carefully about something
1. I know the idea doesn’t seem appealing at first, but why don’t you chew it over for a few days before you decide?
2. Janice is not sure she is going on vacation in August. She’s chewing it over.
The idiom probably originates from another expression, chew the cud, referring to the fact that a cow chews slowly and regurgitates its food to chew it a second time.