Under the weather

[0633] Nature calls

🎲 Restroom / Bathroom / Loo / Bog / The can / Crapper / Dunny / Powder room / Little boys'/girls' room / The facilities / Hit the head
English Idioms
All Idioms

Explanation

  • A polite and often humorous euphemism for needing to urinate or defecate.

Origin

  • Refers to the basic, unavoidable biological functions of the body as being a call from Nature that must be answered.
  • It frames a potentially awkward need in impersonal, natural terms.

Synonyms & Related Expressions

  • Need to use the restroom / bathroom / loo / facilities
  • Have to pee / Gotta pee (informal)
  • Have to poop / Gotta poop (informal, childish or very casual)
  • Powder my nose (dated euphemism, typically used by women)
  • See a man about a dog / horse (UK/Aus slang, can be used for various reasons to excuse oneself, including toilet break)
  • Visit the little boys'/girls' room

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

  • Gotta pee / Gotta take a piss / Gotta slash (UK)
  • Gotta poop / Gotta take a crap / Gotta take a shit / Gotta drop the kids off at the pool (humorous slang)
  • Gotta go / Need the toilet (direct)
  • Gotta hit the head (naval/military slang)
  • Gotta visit the john / loo / bog / can

Milder/Euphemistic:

  • Need to use the facilities / washroom / restroom
  • Need the little boys'/girls' room
  • Need to excuse myself for a moment
  • Need a comfort break (often used during meetings/journeys)

Situational Appropriateness

  • Informal to semi-formal. It's a widely understood euphemism.
  • Its slightly humorous tone makes it generally acceptable in social situations, but might be considered too informal or cutesy in very formal or serious settings.
  • More polite than specifying the bodily function.

Misunderstanding Warnings

  • While figurative, the context of needing to excuse oneself usually makes the meaning clear. A very literal interpretation is unlikely to cause significant issues.

Examples

  • Excuse me for a moment, nature calls.
  • I need to make a quick stop – nature's calling.
  • We'd better find a restroom soon; nature is calling rather urgently!

Dialogue

Context

Person A: Shall we head into the next presentation?

Person B: Yes, but give me one minute first – nature calls.

Person A: Okay, I'll save you a seat.

(During a long drive)

Driver: Anyone else need a break? Nature's calling for me.

Passenger: Yeah, probably a good idea to stop soon.

Social Media Examples

  • Usually used humorously or in relatable situations.
  • Post: Long road trip means inevitably hearing 'Nature calls!' from the back seat every hour. #parentlife #roadtrip
  • Tweet: Paused the movie because nature calls... and also because I need more snacks. Priorities.

Response Patterns

  • Understanding acknowledgement: Okay. / Sure. / No problem.
  • Directions: The restroom is just down the hall.
  • Waiting: Alright, take your time. / We'll wait here.

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

  • The person using the expression excuses themselves and goes to find a restroom.
  • Others usually wait or continue their activity/conversation discreetly.
  • Someone might offer directions if the location of the restroom isn't obvious.

Conversation Starter

  • No. Used functionally to excuse oneself.

Intonation

  • Often said with a slightly knowing smile or apologetic tone.
  • Can be matter-of-fact or slightly urgent depending on the situation.
  • Stress typically on nature and calls. Nature calls.

Generation Differences

  • Understood by most generations. Might be perceived as slightly old-fashioned by some younger people, but still commonly used for its politeness/humor.

Regional Variations

  • Widely understood across English-speaking regions.
Under the weather
🎲 Restroom / Bathroom / Loo / Bog / The can / Crapper / Dunny / Powder room / Little boys'/girls' room / The facilities / Hit the head