call to account

1. To confront or question one about one's wrongdoings. A noun or pronoun can be used between "call" and "account." That's it—the next time I see Rachel, I'm calling her to account! I simply can't tolerate her selfish behavior any longer. I'm sure the boss is going to call me to account for my outburst during the meeting. If you committed a crime, the police will call you to account soon enough.

2. To blame one for something. A noun or pronoun can be used between "call" and "account." I was the lead salesperson, so I knew that I would be called to account when my team lost that big client. I had nothing to do with the prank, but I'm sure they'll call me to account anyway. Why are you calling me to account for the break-in? I know I locked the door and set the alarm system when I left!

call somebody to acˈcount (for/over something)

(formal) make somebody explain a mistake, loss, etc: His manager called him to account over the missing reports.

call somebody to account

call to account

call somebody to acˈcount (for/over something)