The Meaning of llamar a filas

Llamar a filas

Definition: The phrase “llamar a filas” is a Spanish idiomatic expression that translates to “call to arms” or “call to duty” in English. It refers to the act of summoning individuals, particularly soldiers or members of a group, to assemble for a particular cause, duty, or task. This call may relate to military service, but it can also be used metaphorically to urge people to unite or take action for a common purpose.

Usage: The phrase is often used in military contexts but can also apply in political, social, or organizational settings where collective action is necessary. For example:

• “El líder llamó a filas a sus seguidores para protestar.” (The leader called his followers to arms to protest.)
• “En tiempos de crisis, es necesario llamar a filas a la comunidad.” (In times of crisis, it is necessary to call the community to duty.)

Etymology: The expression is derived from the verb “llamar,” meaning “to call,” and “filas,” meaning “rows” or “lines,” which historically refers to the arrangement of soldiers. The phrase invokes imagery of soldiers lining up or grouping together, emphasizing unity and collective action.

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Pronunciation:

• Phonetically: /ʎaˈmaɾ a ˈfilas/
• Breakdown:
  • “llamar” (ya-MAR)
  • “a” (ah)
  • “filas” (FEE-las)

Synonyms:

• Convocar a filas (to convene)
• Reunir (to gather)
• Llamar a la acción (to call to action)

Antonyms:

• Dispersar (to disperse)
• Desunir (to divide)
• Separar (to separate)

This phrase is often used in both literal and figurative senses to indicate mobilization or gathering for a specific objective.

1. El maestro decidió llamar a filas a todos los estudiantes para comenzar la clase.
   (The teacher decided to call all the students to line up to start the class.)

2. En el campamento, los instructores van a llamar a filas cada mañana para inspeccionar a los niños.
   (At the camp, the instructors will call the kids to line up every morning for inspection.)

3. Durante el ejercicio militar, el sargento tiene que llamar a filas a los soldados a tiempo.
   (During the military exercise, the sergeant has to call the soldiers to line up on time.)

4. El director de la escuela pidió llamar a filas a los alumnos para un anuncio importante.
   (The school principal asked to call the students to line up for an important announcement.)

5. La organización benéfica llamará a filas a los voluntarios para activar la campaña de recolección de fondos.
   (The charity will call the volunteers to line up to activate the fundraising campaign.)

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