Take / Make a/the call. Which is correct? (2025)

There have been allegations of corruption against a Minister.

The party leadership is meeting today

1. To take a call
2. To make a call
3. To take the call
4. To make the call

on his continuance in the cabinet.

Which is correct?

Thank you in advance for your help?

goldencypress said:

Here’s how I would read the choices:

The party leadership is meeting today

1. To take a call (to receive a telephone call)
2. To make a call (unclear... to call someone on the telephone? Or to decide)
3. To take the call (to receive a specific telephone call?) This one sounds weirdest.
4. To make the call (to decide)

on his continuance in the cabinet.

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I agree that I don’t think any are the most natural thing to say here, but I’m assuming you’re looking for #4 out of the choices you offered.

MarcB said:

I agree with the others. From all of your choices I have no idea what they are going to do.

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To make a decision whether the accused minister should be asked to step down or not.

Copyright said:

Wouldn't it be "to take a vote"? Or simply "to vote"? Or if it's not a voting matter, then perhaps, "to decide."

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Doesn't "to make a/the call mean "to make a decision"?

goldencypress said:

Doesn't "to make a/the call mean "to make a decision"?

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Yes, but the context/register seems off here. “Make a/the call” sounds too informal for an official government decision.
It’s often used for a decision made by a referee in sports, or a decision made by someone’s boss on how they should format their report, someone’s friend on where the group will go for dinner, etc.

goldencypress said:

Doesn't "to make a/the call mean "to make a decision"?

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I disagree with Esca. I would say "no, in this context it doesn't mean that at all." When I read your sentences, it never crossed my mind that is what you were trying to say. Instead, I thought everyone was sitting around a telephone for a conference call. If you want to express they idea that they are making a decision, then you should simply say that.

Thank you gentlemen for your valuable suggestions. I do appreciate them.

But I'm afraid the main question remains unanswered. Even in an informal situation, is it make o

GreenWhiteBlue said:

I disagree with Esca. I would say "no, in this context it doesn't mean that at all." When I read your sentences, it never crossed my mind that is what you were trying to say. Instead, I thought everyone was sitting around a telephone for a conference call. If you want to express they idea that they are making a decision, then you should simply say that.

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Thank you, GWB. I think I will go by your advice.

goldencypress said:

Doesn't "to make a/the call mean "to make a decision"?

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A "call" can mean a decision but it sounds casual. "Taking a call" is common in India and both 1 and 2 would sound acceptable to many Indians. But I agree that "decide" or "make a decision" would be a much clearer way of putting it.

Barque said:

A "call" can mean a decision but it sounds casual. "Taking a call" is common in India and both 1 and 2 would sound acceptable to many Indians. But I agree that "decide" or "make a decision" would be a much clearer way of putting it.[/QUOTE

Thank you, Barque

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Barque said:

A "call" can mean a decision but it sounds casual.

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It’s also typically unilateral.