English Reference
Idiom idiom

don't call us, we'll call you


A stereotypical statement from a hiring organization to a potential candidate, suggesting that the candidate will not be hired.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

The manager told me, don't call us, we'll call you.

CONTEXTUAL

After the audition, the director gave a polite smile and said, don't call us, we'll call you.

COMPLEX

Although the interview seemed promising, the recruiter eventually offered the standard, don't call us, we'll call you, effectively ending my hopes for the position.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    all very well

    All right to a certain extent, but problematic beyond that, or for other people.

  2. 02

    and I don't mean maybe

    Indicating that one is serious and not joking about a matter.

  3. 03

    answer the call of nature

    To satisfy a bodily urge to urinate or defecate.

  4. 04

    as well

    In addition; also.

  5. 05

    call a lid

    To inform the press that no further news will be released from a governmental body that day.

  6. 06

    call a spade a spade

    To put it bluntly, to be outspoken; to speak the truth, to describe things as they really are.

  7. 07

    call an audible

    To change plans at the last minute in response to new information.

  8. 08

    call it

    To call it a day

Last updated August 10, 2026