English Idioms

Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms

Call of the wild

Meaning

The "call of the wild" refers to a strong desire to be outdoors, enjoying nature, and participating in physical activities such as hunting or hiking. It is often used to describe a person's urge to break free from the routine and normality of everyday life and embrace the freedom and excitement of the great outdoors.

Usage

  • John couldn't resist the call of the wild and decided to go on a camping trip with his friends.
  • After years of working in an office, Sarah finally took the time to answer the call of the wild and went on a backpacking trip through Europe.
  • The sight of the mountains and the sound of running water called out to Jane's sense of adventure, and she knew she had to hike up to the summit.
  • The call of the wild was too strong for Tom to resist, so he packed up his camping gear and headed to the woods for a weekend of fishing and camping.
  • The group of friends were restless in the city, but when they heard the call of the wild, they knew they had to escape for a day of hiking and exploring the great outdoors.

Roots and History

The phrase "call of the wild" dates back to the 19th century and was first used in literature by American writer James Fenimore Cooper in his novel "The Last of the Mohicans." The novel describes the character Nathaniel Hawthorne as being drawn to the wilderness and the freedom it offers, which would later become known as the call of the wild. Over time, the idiom has come to be used more broadly to describe a general desire for adventure and excitement in nature. It is still commonly associated with outdoor activities such as hunting, camping, and hiking, but can also refer to any activity that allows a person to break free from routine and experience something new.

Synonyms in English

  • Wilderness
  • Adventure
  • Expedition
  • Journey
  • Outdoors

Synonyms in other languages

  • Spanish: "La llamada de la naturaleza" (The Call of Nature)
  • French: "L'appel de l'aventure" (The Call of Adventure)
  • German: "Der Anruf der Natur" (The Call of Nature)
  • Italian: "Il richiamo della natura" (The Call of Nature)
  • Japanese: "自然の召いに" (The Call of Nature)

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