You’re in a meeting, dinner, or class—and suddenly you need to excuse yourself. Which phrase do you use so you don’t sound awkward?
Knowing the right idiom gives you a quick, polite escape without drawing attention.
a polite, figurative way to say you need to use the restroom
What you’ll gain from this article: clear understanding of when and how to use “nature calls”, memorable examples you can copy, a simple memory trick to remember the phrase, and a short quiz to test your knowledge.
Idioms can cause hilarious misunderstandings—especially if they are new to a learner. Read on to see how to use it correctly!
A Funny Mix-up
Here’s a real-life scene that shows how “nature calls” can go wrong when someone takes it literally or uses it in an awkward moment.
The Sarah Moment
Sarah, an English learner, was attending a formal business meeting. Suddenly she stood up and said, “Excuse me, but nature is calling me.” The room fell silent—colleagues looked puzzled. Some thought she meant a phone call, others imagined she was talking about going for a walk in a park.
That confusion came from a mix of timing, context, and literal interpretation. The phrase itself was correct, but the setting made people pause. This short anecdote highlights two lessons:
- Idioms depend on context. Even a polite idiom sounds strange if the moment is very formal or unexpected.
- Choosing your register matters. In high-formality situations, more explicit phrasing is sometimes better.
What Does “Nature Calls” Mean?
Here’s a clear explanation you can keep in your mental phrasebook.
Core meaning
“Nature calls” is an informal, euphemistic expression that means you need to go to the restroom. It’s figurative: instead of describing a bodily function directly, you say that the body’s natural urge is summoning you.
Origin and tone
The exact origin is unclear, but the phrase likely grew from polite euphemisms in the 19th century when English speakers preferred indirect expressions for bodily needs. It also suggests the long-standing cultural respect for nature and natural rhythms—responding to “nature” is natural.
Tone: Informal, polite, and discreet. Great for casual conversation, everyday social situations, and light-hearted remarks. In formal or highly professional settings, choose more explicit phrasing if you want to avoid ambiguity.
Example Sentences
Below are practical examples across different contexts. Use these as templates you can copy into your own conversations.
- Everyday: “I need to step away for a moment—nature is calling.”
- Casual / Chat: “BRB, nature is calling.”
- Business (Adapted): “Pardon me—nature is calling.” (Use cautiously; standard phrases are safer).
- Humorous: “My dog keeps whining at the door; I think nature is calling him.”
- Literary: “As the sun dipped below the horizon, nature’s call became too strong to ignore.”
Short rephrasing can also make the meaning clearer: “I need to use the restroom” is the most direct equivalent.
Memory Aid
Want an easy way to remember “nature calls”? Try this mental image:
- Visual association: Imagine someone standing in a quiet field or forest and holding a ringing phone labelled “Nature.” They step away politely to answer.
- Opposite action: Picture someone trying to “hold it in” and getting uncomfortable—this helps contrast the idiom’s meaning.
These simple images anchor the idiom in your memory so you can recall it naturally when you need a polite way to excuse yourself.
Fun Facts
Here are a few interesting points about “nature calls” you can share to spice up conversation or a lesson:
- Historical euphemism: The phrase grew out of a cultural preference for indirect language about bodily functions.
- Flexible grammar: You’ll hear both “nature calls” and “nature is calling me”. Both are acceptable and widely used.
- Social media friendly: Short forms like “BRB, nature is calling” are popular online and feel casual and playful.
- Literary use: Writers sometimes use “nature’s call” metaphorically to suggest a primal urge, not only bathroom needs.
Related Sayings
English has several expressions that are similar to or contrast with “nature calls”. Knowing these gives you options depending on tone and formality.
- Answer the call of nature: Very similar meaning, sometimes more formal or literary.
- Relieve oneself: Polite and slightly clinical; more formal than “nature calls”.
- Take a bathroom break: Neutral and appropriate in most professional contexts.
And here are some opposite ideas:
- Hold it in: The direct opposite idea: resisting the urge to go to the bathroom.
- I can wait: Another expression meaning you don’t need to respond to the urge immediately.
Common Mistakes
Misusing idioms is common—here are the pitfalls to avoid so you sound natural and appropriate.
- Using it in ultra-formal settings: Saying “nature is calling me” in a formal presentation or courtroom can sound flippant. Choose clear, direct phrases instead.
- Literal interpretations: Some listeners may momentarily interpret “nature calls” literally (a phone call from nature?) if the delivery is odd. Use tone to make your meaning clear.
- Regional sensitivity: Not every culture uses the same euphemisms. If you are speaking with people unfamiliar with English idioms, prefer plain language.
- Overuse or joking: Using the idiom to make light of serious situations or to joke in solemn contexts can be seen as rude.
Quiz Time!
Summary
“Nature calls” is an informal, polite idiom meaning you need to use the restroom. It allows for a quick, polite escape without drawing attention to bodily functions.
Key takeaways:
- Use it in casual situations, online chats, or relaxed social settings.
- In formal settings, prefer clear and direct phrases like “I need to use the restroom.”
- Remember the visual mnemonic: a phone labeled “Nature” in a field—answering it helps you recall the phrase.
Now it’s your turn—try making your own sentence with “nature calls”. If you’re practicing this idiom in a class or online, paste your example in the comments of any conversation and ask for feedback.
Final tip
When in doubt about tone, choose clarity. A short, direct phrase is always better than a misunderstood idiom.