english
1
general::
Telephone one's employer or school that one is ill and cannot come to work or attend. For example, Ben called in sick and told his boss he would miss the meeting. [Mid-1900s]
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): call in sick to call one’s place of work to say that one is ill and cannot come to work. (See also report in sick.) • Four of our office staff called in sick today. • I have to call in sick today.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs