call the dogs off
(redirected from called the dogs off)call the dogs off
To stop threatening or behaving aggressively toward someone. Call the dogs off! I'll tell you anything you want to know, just stop threatening me!
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
call the dogs off
.1. Lit. to order hunting or watch dogs to abandon their quarry. They robber gave up and the guard called the dogs off. Call off the dogs!
2. Fig. to stop threatening, chasing, or hounding [a person]. Tell the sheriff to call off the dogs. We caught the robber. Okay, you've caught me! Please call your dogs off!
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.