“Clarion Call” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 18, 2024 by Liam Daniel

Clarion call is an idiom which you might hear during a day to day conversation in the English language. But what is the meaning of this saying? In this article, we are going to discover the meaning as well as where the term originally came from. We are also going to take a look at some examples of how the phrase can be used within a sentence.

“Clarion Call” Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • The phrase “clarion call” refers to a strong and clear signal or message that urges people to take action, often in response to a specific need or challenge. The term “clarion” originally refers to a type of trumpet that produces a clear and shrill sound, which is why it is associated with calling attention to something urgent or important.
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Clarion Call – Created by 7ESL

“Clarion Call” Meaning

The phrase “clarion call” refers to a strong and clear message or demand that calls people to action, often associated with urgent issues or important causes. It suggests a rallying cry that is loud and compelling, urging individuals or groups to respond or take notice.

Examples:

  • “The activist’s speech served as a clarion call for environmental protection.”
  • “The organization issued a clarion call for volunteers to help with the crisis.”

Origin of This Idiomatic Expression

The phrase “clarion call” has its origins in the late Middle Ages, deriving from the word “clarion,” which refers to a type of medieval trumpet known for its clear, shrill sound.

Usage of “Clarion Call”

  • In a discussion about activism:

“The environmental crisis serves as a clarion call for immediate action to protect our planet.”

  • During a motivational speech:

“The coach’s passionate address was a clarion call for the team to push their limits and strive for victory.”

  • In a political context:

“The candidate’s campaign was a clarion call for change, resonating with voters who sought reform.”

  • Talking about social movements:

“The protests were a clarion call for justice, demanding accountability and reform from the government.”

Related Terms to “Clarion Call”

  • Rallying cry – a call to arms or action that inspires a group to unite for a common cause.
  • Call to action – an invitation or prompt for individuals to take specific action.
  • Urgent appeal – a pressing request for attention or action regarding an important issue.
  • Demand for change – a strong request or assertion advocating for significant alterations in the current situation.
  • Wake-up call – a realization or alert that prompts individuals or groups to act or reconsider their actions.
  • Battle cry – a phrase or slogan used to motivate or rally troops or supporters.
  • Protest call – an invitation to join in a demonstration or express dissent.
  • Beacon of hope – a guiding signal or message that inspires action or optimism.
  • Social movement – organized efforts by a group to promote or resist social change.
  • Voice for change – an advocate or spokesperson calling for transformation or improvement.

Other Ways to Say the Idiom

There are many other ways in which you might express the meaning of the phrase clarion call.

Let’s take a look at some examples of other things you might say which carry the same meaning.

  • Call to action
  • Appeal

“Clarion Call” Examples

Examples in Statements

We are now going to explore some examples of how the term clarion call can be used in a sentence.

The first example is a statement being made in a magazine article.

  • The organisers have put out a clarion call to encourage visitors to attend the brand new event.

The next example is one being said by a news reporter.

  • The politician has given a clarion call, urging people to vote for the party.

More useful examples:

  • This election is a clarion call for our country to face the challenges ahead.
  • Taken together, the studies are a clarion call for doctors to make drug therapy safer.
  • It was all a smokescreen to make them believe that the Clarion Call had been lost at sea.
  • All waiting for a moment in life when they can heed the clarion call.
  • To all the people present, his speech is a clarion call.

Conversation Examples

You might hear the term clarion call in various different conversations. We will now take a look at some examples of how it might look to further understand its use.

The first conversation is taking place between two people in the workplace.

  • Person 1: “We are really falling behind with the workload.”
  • Person 2: “It is due to the fact that we do not have enough staff.”
  • Person 1: “Perhaps the company ought to put out a clarion call for more employees.”

The next conversation is happening between two people running a charity.

  • Person 1: “Without funding, we are not going to be able to stay afloat for much longer.”
  • Person 2: “What do you suggest we do?”
  • Person 1: “We need to put out a clarion call for donations and quickly.”
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