call an audible
Change plans suddenly
To call an audible is to change plans at the last moment based on new circumstances.
The phrase comes from American football, where a quarterback calls an audible by changing the play at the line of scrimmage after seeing the defense's formation.
In general use, it means making a spontaneous adjustment: We were going to present the data first, but I called an audible when I saw how restless the audience was.
Passing position in football
- huddleClose protective gathering
- snapSudden sharp sound
- formationCreation or arrangement
- playcallingSelecting offensive plays
scrimmage · gridiron · no-huddle · shotgun · play-action · red-zone · blitz · coverage
Point of rotation
- adaptModify for new conditions
- adjustChange to fit better
- on-the-flyDone without prior planning
- quick-thinkingMentally rapid, resourceful
spontaneous · reactive · flexible · ad-lib · last-minute · split-second · instinctive · unplanned
quarterback
Passing position in football
playcalling · scrimmage · gridiron · no-huddle · shotgun · play-action · red-zone · blitz · coverage · defense
pivot
Point of rotation
- adaptModify for new conditions
- adjustChange to fit better
- on-the-flyDone without prior planning
quick-thinking · spontaneous · reactive · flexible · ad-lib · last-minute · split-second · instinctive · unplanned · resourceful
call an audiblestay the course
Continue despite difficulties
toe the line · follow orders · color inside the lines · play it straight
call, calls, called, calling, caller, callers, audible, audibly, audio