pick up the phone

pick up the phone (third-person singular simple present picks up the phone, present participle picking up the phone, simple past and past participle picked up the phone)

1. To pick up the receiver of a telephone, generally with the intention of making a phone call.

   Antonym: hang up

   These deals won't last, so don't wait! Pick up the phone and dial Big Harry today! He'll find the perfect car for you!

   If you ever need help, all you've gotta do is pick up the phone and give me a call.

2. To answer an incoming telephone call.

   Antonym: hang up

   She dialed nervously, praying that Grandma would pick up the phone and everything would turn out OK.