within call

within call or within hail  {adv. phr.}
1. Near enough to hear each other's voices.
When the two ships were within hail, their officers exchanged messages.
Billy's mother told him to stay within call because supper was nearly ready.
2. In a place where you can be reached by phone, radio, or TV and be called.
The sick man was very low and the doctor stayed within call.
The soldiers were allowed to leave the base by day, but had to stay within call.
Categories: call {adv. phr.}