call for

call for idiom
  1. Go to get someone or something, as in John said he'd call for Mary at eight, or Someone's at the door, calling for the package. [First half of 1600s]
  2. Summon someone or something. For example, The audience called for the playwright, or The judge called for the verdict. [First half of 1500s]
  3. Require, demand, as in This job calls for a lot of patience. [First half of 1700s] Also see no call for; uncalled for.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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