call to quarters
C1Formal, Military, Historical, Figurative
Definition
Meaning
A military signal (typically a bugle or drum call) historically used to summon soldiers to their quarters for the night or for the evening roll call.
A phrase used figuratively to mean a formal summons or signal for a group to assemble, return to base, or to resume disciplined, official duties. Also used as a specific bugle call in U.S. military ceremonies.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Although rooted in military practice, the phrase can be used metaphorically in civilian contexts to evoke a sense of order, discipline, or a return to core responsibilities.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The specific term 'call to quarters' is predominantly an American military term for a particular bugle call. In British military history, 'Last Post' or 'Tattoo' served similar functional purposes for ending the day. The figurative use is more common in American English.
Connotations
In American usage, it carries strong connotations of military tradition, ceremony, and order. In British usage, it is a more obscure, specifically American reference.
Frequency
Much more frequent in American English, especially in historical, ceremonial, or figurative contexts. Rare in contemporary British English outside of discussions of American military practice.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The bugler sounded the call to quarters.It was a call to quarters for the scattered team.They responded to the chairman's call to quarters.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Sound the call to quarters (figurative: signal a return to work/discipline)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used metaphorically: 'The CEO's memo was a call to quarters, urging all departments to refocus on our core mission.'
Academic
Appears in historical texts describing 18th-19th century military life or in analyses of military symbolism.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be used for dramatic or humorous effect to tell family members to go to their rooms.
Technical
Precise name for U.S. military bugle call (Number 6 in standard bugle calls).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The sergeant-major will call the men to quarters at 2200 hours.
American English
- The bugler called the garrison to quarters just after dusk.
adjective
British English
- The call-to-quarters procedure was outlined in the manual. (compound modifier)
American English
- We heard the familiar call-to-quarters melody echoing across the base. (compound modifier)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The soldier heard the call to quarters and went back to his room.
- After the day's exercises, the sound of the call to quarters signalled the end of duty for the recruits.
- The director's stern email served as a call to quarters for the project team, which had grown lax in its reporting.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a military QUARTERS (living area). The CALL is to go TO those quarters. Four quarters make a whole, and this call makes the whole unit return.
Conceptual Metaphor
ORDER IS A MILITARY COMMAND; FOCUS IS ASSEMBLING AT HEADQUARTERS.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation like 'звонок в кварталы'. It is not about city districts ('кварталы'). 'Quarters' here means 'living accommodations' ('казармы', 'жилые помещения').
- Figuratively, it can be translated as 'сигнал к сбору' or 'призыв вернуться к исполнению обязанностей'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'call to quarters' to mean a general announcement (it implies a specific, often formal, return).
- Confusing it with 'call to order' (which starts a meeting). 'Quarters' refers to a place, not just procedure.
- Pronouncing 'quarters' as if it were the coin ('квотерс') rather than /ˈkwɔrṭərz/.
Practice
Quiz
In a modern figurative sense, 'a call to quarters' most likely means:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, primarily as a ceremonial bugle call in the U.S. military, often played at military funerals, changes of command, or during evening retreat ceremonies. Its practical use for barracks life is largely historical.
You can, but it is a very deliberate metaphor. It would sound formal, slightly dramatic, and implies a need for disciplined regrouping. A simpler phrase like 'let's refocus' is more common.
'Call to quarters' signals a return to barracks for the evening roll call. 'Taps' is a later bugle call signalling 'lights out' and the end of the day. 'Taps' is also used at military funerals.
Because the specific term 'call to quarters' originates from and is standardized in U.S. military drill and ceremony. British equivalents historically had different names, like 'Last Post' (though not identical in function).