english
1
general::
Phrase(s): pay a call Euph. to go to the toilet; to leave to go to the toilet. (See also pay a call on someone.) • Excuse me. I have to pay a call. • Tom left to pay a call. He should be back soon.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
Also, pay a visit;pay one's respects. Make a short visit, especially as a formal courtesy or for business reasons. For example, Bill asked her to pay a call to his ex-mother-in-law, or Each salesman was told to pay a visit to every new doctor in town, or We went to the wake to pay our respects. Also see CALL ON, def. 2.
American Heritage Idioms