Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
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.
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.