# duty calls

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/duty-calls
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Expresses that the speaker must go and deal with something.

## Examples

- I must leave now because duty calls.
- I would love to stay for another drink, but duty calls and I have to finish my report.
- Though the evening was pleasant, the officer stood up abruptly, explaining that duty calls and he must return to the station immediately.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.