call on the carpet

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Explanation of "Call on the Carpet"

Definition: The phrase "call on the carpet" means to summon someone to a place (usually a place of authority) to reprimand or criticize them for their actions. It often implies that the person being called is in trouble or needs to explain their behavior.

Usage Instructions:

• Verb Phrase: It is used in situations where someone in authority wants to confront another person about something they did wrong.
• Common Contexts: This phrase is often used in a workplace or school setting.

Example:

• Simple Example: The manager called the employee on the carpet for being late to work several times.
• In a Sentence: The teacher called on the carpet the student who had been disruptive in class.

Advanced Usage:

• You might see this phrase used in news articles or discussions about politics, where officials or leaders are held accountable for their actions. For example: "The senator was called on the carpet for his controversial statements during the debate."

Word Variants:

• There are no direct variants of "call on the carpet," but you can use similar phrases like "call to account" or "bring to task."

Different Meaning:

• The phrase is primarily used to indicate reprimanding or scolding. However, it can also imply a serious discussion about someone's behavior or performance, though it usually has a negative connotation.

Synonyms:

• Reprimand: To scold or criticize someone for their actions.
• Censure: To express strong disapproval.
• Scold: To speak to someone angrily because of their behavior.
• Dress down: To reprimand someone angrily or harshly.

Related Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "Lay down the law": To assertively tell someone what they must do, often in a reprimanding way.
• "Reel someone in": To bring someone back into line or under control after they have misbehaved.

Summary:

"Call on the carpet" is a phrase used to describe when someone in authority confronts another person about their mistakes or inappropriate behavior.

Academic

Verb

1. censure severely or angrily
   • The mother scolded the child for entering a stranger's car
   • The deputy ragged the Prime Minister
   • The customer dressed down the waiter for bringing cold soup

Synonyms

• take to task
• rebuke
• rag
• trounce
• reproof
• lecture
• reprimand
• jaw
• dress down
• call down
• scold
• chide
• berate
• bawl out