called into action
idiom
: asked to start working or doing a particular task
As a doctor, she can be called into action at any time of the day.
Our military unit was called into action at the start of the war.
Examples of called into action in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Ruohonen, a 54-year-old alternate, would be the oldest American to compete in a Winter Olympics in any medal sport if he is called into action.
—
Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2026
He was called into action to punch a high ball into the six-yard box away in the first half and made a near-post block 10 minutes into the second period, and comfortably gathered a tame last-minute shot.
—Rob Tanner, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2026
Broncos freshman goalkeeper Ava de Leest was also called into action a few times.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 24 Oct. 2025
When its plaintive meows were heard, Debacker was called into action.
—Ronnie Li, USA Today, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for called into action
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2026
He was called into action to punch a high ball into the six-yard box away in the first half and made a near-post block 10 minutes into the second period, and comfortably gathered a tame last-minute shot.
—Rob Tanner, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2026
Broncos freshman goalkeeper Ava de Leest was also called into action a few times.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 24 Oct. 2025
When its plaintive meows were heard, Debacker was called into action.
—Ronnie Li, USA Today, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for called into action
Cite this Entry
“Called into action.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/called%20into%20action. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
