beck and call » beckoned call
Spotted in the wild:
- If you are like most people, and have an answering machine or service through your telephone provider, the caller will leave a message and you can answer and return the calls on YOUR schedule. It is OK not to be at everyone’s beckoned call 24 hours a day. (link)
- Every Jewish Wedding requires the participation of a Jewish Rabbi. In the process of the wedding planning, a Rabbi is not always immediately at your beckoned call. (link)
- The Federal Cavalry in 1863 had been converted into a well organized and formidable fighting force. The days of federal scouting and outpost duty had come to an end. With renewed confidence, the federal horse soldier was able to remain in the saddle pressing forward at the army’s beckoned call. (link)
Analyzed or reported by:
- Enid at the Random House Word of the Day (take another tack)
If you open yourself up to the possibility of being called — by telephone, for example — then the call will be a beckoned call.
See also beckon call and beacon call.