call someone out (on)
Meaning(s)
1. criticize or confront someone about something they have said or done
Popularity
High
Professional
High
Social
How to Memorize
be quick to call someone out on something
Analysis
To call someone out or to call out to someone is a moderate usage of the phrasal verb call out which means to criticise someone publicly for their wrong doings or behaviour.
Social Examples (Basic)
- Yes, Mary is one of my best friends, but I am not biased towards her. Believe me, if she says or does something wrong; I am the first to call her out on it.
- When Gary wouldn't let me borrow his car, I was quick to call him out on his hypocrisy because I had lent him mine just last week.
Professional Examples (Basic)
- Okay, Tom made a mistake, but calling him out on it in front of everyone at the staff meeting was totally unfair.
- I have reservations about the packaging as I am afraid we might be called out on the sexist colour scheme.