The phrase "gets someone on the horn" means to speak to someone on the phone. The spelling of the word "horn" is [hɔrn], with the "o" pronounced as a short vowel sound, and the "r" pronounced usually but barely audible. It is worth noting that the use of this phrase comes from old telephones, where the speaker and the listener were connected by a metal wire that resembled a horn, thus the name. Nowadays, the phrase is used more casually to refer to speaking to someone on any type of phone.
"Gets someone on the horn" is an idiomatic expression that refers to the act of contacting or initiating a conversation with someone, usually through a telephone conversation. This phrase typically implies a sense of urgency or the need for immediate communication.
The term "horn" in this context refers to a metaphorical representation of a telephone receiver or handset, which traditionally had a horn-like shape. Therefore, when someone says they "got someone on the horn," it means they have successfully established contact with the individual they were trying to reach.
This expression is often used to describe the act of getting in touch with someone important, such as a high-ranking official, a specialist in a particular field, or a decision-maker. The phrase can suggest a desire to consult, discuss, or acquire information or assistance from the person on the other end of the line.
In modern usage, "getting someone on the horn" does not necessarily mean using an actual telephone with a horn-shaped receiver, as digital communication methods like smartphones, email, or video calls have become more prevalent. Nevertheless, the phrase continues to be used to describe the act of connecting with someone via any form of communication, implying a direct and immediate conversation rather than an indirect or delayed correspondence.