line call: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

No, it is used in any sport where a ball or shuttlecock must land within a boundary line and an official makes the judgment, such as volleyball, badminton, and pickleball. However, it is most strongly associated with tennis.

No, this would sound unnatural. In football, decisions about the ball crossing the goal or touch line are simply 'calls' or 'decisions' (e.g., 'goal-line decision'). 'Line call' is specific to games where a ball lands on a court/playing surface boundary.

A 'line call' is the human decision made by a line judge. 'Hawk-Eye' is a computerised system used to review and potentially overturn that human decision by providing a visual simulation of the ball's trajectory and landing spot.

Use it to describe a difficult yes/no or either/or decision where the evidence is finely balanced. Example: 'Whether to fire the underperforming but loyal employee was a real line call for the manager.'

A decision made by an official in sports like tennis, volleyball, or badminton regarding whether a ball landed in or out of play, often referring specifically to a decision made by a line judge.

Line call is usually predominantly sports journalism, live sports commentary, and informal discussion among players and fans. metaphorical use is formal in business/legal contexts. in register.

Line call: in British English it is pronounced /laɪn kɔːl/, and in American English it is pronounced /laɪn kɑːl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.