expression

call it a day

to stop working for the day

In Idioms & Sayings

In more detail

(idiom) to stop working or doing an activity and go home or rest, usually because you have done enough for the day

Examples

After working in the garden for three hours, we decided to call it a day.

How to use call it a day

Used when someone decides to finish work or an activity, implying satisfaction with what has been accomplished or simply that it is time to rest. It is casual and friendly in tone, common in workplace and leisure contexts, and suggests a natural or reasonable stopping point rather than an abrupt end.

Common phrases

call it a day at five
let's call it a day
time to call it a day
call it a day and go home
call it a day early

Synonyms

wrap it up · knock off · stop for the day · call time · pack it in

Opposites

keep going · push on · carry on

A common mistake

Learners sometimes think 'call it a day' means to decide what today will be about, rather than to stop working; it never refers to making plans or naming the day.

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