Beck and Call or Beckon Call
The phrase "beck and call" is used to express one's readiness to
fulfill someone's requests or wishes. While some people may use "beckon call" as a substitute
for "beck and call," it is incorrect and should be avoided.
Examples of Beck and call and beckon call in a sentence
- Incorrect: Jake expects his employees to
be at his beckon call, even on weekends.
- Correct: Jake expects his employees to be
at his beck and call, even on weekends.
- Incorrect: I don't like being at
my boss's beck and call all the time.
- Correct: I don't like being at my
boss's beckon call all the time.
Note:
Although the verb "beckon" and the noun "beck" are similar in
origin, they cannot be used interchangeably as they have different meanings. In modern English,
"beck" is seldom used outside of the phrase "beck and call."
Beck and call
"At someone's beck and call" is an idiomatic expression that signifies
one's readiness and willingness to carry out someone else's requests. It is often used to convey the
idea of excessive demands or subservience towards another person. This expression is commonly used to
describe a situation where one person expects too much from another or where someone is excessively
servile.
Examples of Beck and call in a sentence
- As a personal assistant, Jane was at her boss's beck and call 24/7.
- My sister always has me at her beck
and call whenever she needs help with her homework.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a synonym of beck and call?
The term "beck and call" is a component of the idiom "at someone's
beck and call," which signifies one's willingness to comply with another person's requests.
Some other phrases that can be used to convey a similar meaning as "beck and call" are
- At someone's command
- At someone's disposal
- At someone's service.
2. What does beckon mean?
The term "beckon" is a verb that signifies the act of signaling someone to
come towards you. It is occasionally used incorrectly as a substitute for "beck and" in the
expression "beck and call."
