call off the dogs
The phrase "call off the dogs" originates from hunting, where dogs are called back after chasing prey, and is now used metaphorically in various contexts.
🇺🇸 US Voice:
🇬🇧 UK Voice:
Definition
B2General
(informal)To stop attacking or criticizing someone.
Example
- After realizing the mistake, the manager decided to call off the dogs and let the team resolve the issue peacefully.
B2Sports
(informal)To remove the main players from a game after dominating the opponent.
Example
- With a 30-point lead, the coach decided to call off the dogs and give the substitutes some playtime.
B2Conflict
(informal)To halt an aggressive pursuit or effort.
Example
- The company finally called off the dogs and stopped the relentless legal battle.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "call off the dogs":
call offthrow to the dogscall it quitsstand downknock it offcurtail doghold one's firehold offcall it a dayback offput the brakes on