call off a meeting

Meaning

This phrase means to cancel a scheduled meeting, usually because of an unexpected conflict or change in plans. It is very common in spoken business English and is slightly less formal than the word 'cancel.' It implies that the event will not take place at all, rather than just being postponed.

Examples

• We had to call off the meeting because the client didn't show up.

  We had to call off the meeting because the client didn't show up.

• If the manager is still sick tomorrow, we'll have to call off the meeting.

  If the manager is still sick tomorrow, we'll have to call off the meeting.

• They decided to call off the meeting and just send an email update instead.

  They decided to call off the meeting and just send an email update instead.

• I'm sorry for the short notice, but we need to call off today's meeting.

  I'm sorry for the short notice, but we need to call off today's meeting.

• Should we call off the meeting, or do you think she will arrive soon?

  Should we call off the meeting, or do you think she will arrive soon?

Common Mistakes

• ✗ We need to call off the meeting to next week.

  ✓ We need to postpone the meeting to next week.

  The phrase 'call off' means to cancel completely. If you are moving the meeting to another day or time, you must use 'postpone' or 'reschedule.'

• ✗ They called out the meeting because of the storm.

  ✓ They called off the meeting because of the storm.

  The correct phrasal verb for canceling an event is 'call off.' 'Call out' means to shout or to challenge someone publicly.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Since half the team is out sick, we should probably ___ the meeting.

  💡 Use a phrasal verb meaning to cancel.

  Show answer

  call off

• I had to ___ because of an urgent family emergency.

  💡 Cancel the scheduled discussion.

  Show answer

  call off the meeting