call it a day

idiom

Formscalls it a day, calling it a day, called it a day

3 meanings of call it a day

1
idiomintransitive
To bring a stretch of work or effort to an end, whether because it has failed or because enough has been accomplished.
The search team called it a day when the light faded and no trace of the hikers had been found.
With the last of the harvest finally in, the tired workers were glad to call it a day.
Similarstop, quit, finish
Oppositecontinue, persevere
2
idiomintransitive
To bring an ongoing activity to a stop, setting it aside rather than continuing.
After the meeting dragged past dinnertime, the committee agreed to call it a day.
The painters called it a day once the second coat had dried.
Similarstop, quit, finish, adjourn
Oppositecontinue, persist
3
idiomintransitive
To retire: to end one's working life or professional career for good.
When his knees finally gave out, the veteran climber chose to call it a day.
The aging striker called it a day at the end of the season.
Similarretire, quit

Practice

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Origin

This phrase developed from the earlier "call it half a day," which first appears around 1834 and meant to leave before the working day was over.