pick up the phone
Respond to ringing
To pick up the phone is to answer an incoming call: I called three times but she wouldn't pick up the phone.
The phrase also means to initiate a call—to reach out rather than communicate through less direct means: If you have a problem with someone, pick up the phone and talk to them.
Often shortened to pick up: Why won't he pick up?
Common spoken greeting
- receiverOne who accepts transmission
- ringtonePhone's incoming call sound
- voicemailRecorded caller messages
- caller IDDisplays incoming number
handset · landline · mobile · cordless · greeting · earpiece · speakerphone · accept
Evaluative selection process
- ignoringDeliberately not noticing
- dodgingAvoiding by moving aside
- ghostingAbruptly ceasing all communication
- voicemailRecorded caller messages
blocked · unknown number · spam · telemarketer · debt collector · dreading · anxious · avoiding
Able to be contacted
- accessibleAble to be reached
- responsiveQuick to react
- on-callAvailable when summoned
- standbyReady substitute awaiting use
waiting · ready · alert · attentive · present · there for you · support · lifeline
Separated by emotional distance
- reconciliationRestoration of friendly relations
- reaching outInitiating communication
- long-distanceAcross great distances
- overduePast expected arrival
old friend · ex · family · apology · making amends · catching up · years later · forgiveness
hello
Common spoken greeting
- receiverOne who accepts transmission
- ringtonePhone's incoming call sound
- voicemailRecorded caller messages
caller ID · handset · landline · mobile · cordless · greeting · earpiece · speakerphone · accept · decline
screening
Evaluative selection process
- ignoringDeliberately not noticing
- dodgingAvoiding by moving aside
- ghostingAbruptly ceasing all communication
voicemail · blocked · unknown number · spam · telemarketer · debt collector · dreading · anxious · avoiding · silencing
reachable
Able to be contacted
- accessibleAble to be reached
- responsiveQuick to react
- on-callAvailable when summoned
standby · waiting · ready · alert · attentive · present · there for you · support · lifeline · hotline
estranged
Separated by emotional distance
- reconciliationRestoration of friendly relations
- reaching outInitiating communication
- long-distanceAcross great distances
overdue · old friend · ex · family · apology · making amends · catching up · years later · forgiveness · bridge-building
emergency
Serious sudden danger
- crisisDecisive dangerous moment
- importantOf great significance
- criticalExpressing disapproval or importance
pressing · time-sensitive · desperate · pleading · frantic · worried · bad news · hospital · accident · family