English Reference
Idiom idiom

nature calls


Used to indicate that someone (usually the speaker) feels a need to urinate or defecate.

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


SIMPLE

I need to go, nature calls.

CONTEXTUAL

Excuse me for a moment while nature calls, but I will be right back.

COMPLEX

He apologized to his colleagues for the interruption, explaining that nature calls and he must step away from the meeting briefly.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    answer the call of nature

    To satisfy a bodily urge to urinate or defecate.

  2. 02

    better nature

    the more amiable qualities of someone

  3. 03

    call a lid

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

  4. 04

    call a spade a spade

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

  5. 05

    call an audible

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

  6. 06

    call it

    To call it a day

  7. 07

    call it a day

    To cease an activity.

  8. 08

    call it a night

    To go to bed to sleep.

Last updated August 10, 2026