The phrase "calls away" is spelled phonetically as /kɔːlz əˈweɪ/. The "a" in "away" is pronounced with an open "a" sound as in "father." The "w" is pronounced like a voiced "v" sound. "Calls" is pronounced with a long "a" and a "z" sound as in "zoo." The word "away" is made up of two syllables, with the stress falling on the second syllable. This phrase means to draw attention or distract someone from their current task or focus.
The phrase "calls away" refers to the action of summoning or compelling someone to leave their current place, activity, or position and attend to another matter or engage in a different task. It conveys the idea of diverting someone's attention or focus from one thing to another.
When someone is called away, they are obligated or required to abandon what they were doing and respond to the request or command that has been made. This could involve leaving a specific location, quitting an ongoing conversation or activity, or taking leave from their current responsibilities or commitments. The person who initiates the call may be an authority figure, such as a manager, supervisor, or employer, displaying their power to interrupt someone's routine or schedule.
The expression can be applied in various contexts and situations. For instance, a worker may be called away from their workstation to attend a meeting or assist with a pressing task. Similarly, a teacher might be called away from class to address an urgent matter in the office. It is also commonly used in social settings, where a friend or family member might be called away from a gathering due to a personal emergency or unexpected situation that demands their attention.
Overall, to be called away signifies an interruption or disruption to one's current state or activity, often necessitating immediate action or participation elsewhere.
The phrase "calls away" does not have a specific etymology as it is formed by the combination of two separate words. However, we can examine the origin of each word individually:
1. Calls: The word "calls" is derived from the Old English word "ceallian", which meant "to call, summon, or cry out". It has its roots in the Proto-Germanic word "kallōną" and is related to similar words in other Germanic languages.
2. Away: The word "away" comes from the Old English word "onweg" meaning "on, at, or to a distance" and is related to the Proto-Germanic word "*awegō" meaning "off, away". It is also connected to the Old Frisian word "aweȝ" and the Old Norse word "ā" or "ĕr", both with similar meanings.