call off the dogs
End the chase
To call off the dogs is to stop an attack, pursuit, or aggressive pressure.
The phrase evokes hunters recalling their hounds from a chase.
In modern use, it typically means ending harassment, investigation, or criticism: The senator asked party leadership to call off the dogs.
Once we paid, they called off the dogs.
- discontinueTo stop doing
- cancelRevoke or terminate
- terminateBring to an end
- ceaseTo discontinue activity
- desistTo stop doing
stand down · back down · stop · pull back · close · relent · end · ease up · ease off · let up · let it go · give ground · cry uncle · wave the white flag · leash · hound · hunting party · retreat
pursuit/attack initiation vs. cessation
call off the dogsturn loose
Free from confinement
go after · set upon · give chase · hunt down · start
pressure intensity
call off the dogsdouble down
Strengthen one's stance
turn up the heat · pile on · go for the jugular · escalate · continue