The call of the wild

Definition & Meaning of "the call of the wild"

the call of the wild

the instinctive desire to return to a more primitive, untamed way of life, often associated with the wilderness or natural world

Idiom

What is the origin of the idiom "the call of the wild" and when to use it?

The idiom "the call of the wild" originated from the idea that the untamed and natural world exerts a powerful and irresistible attraction on humans. This expression was popularized by American author Jack London, who used it as the title for his novel "The Call of the Wild" (1903), in which the protagonist, a domesticated dog named Buck, is drawn by his instincts and the allure of the wilderness. The novel explores the primal and instinctual forces that compel individuals, whether human or animal, to seek freedom and a connection to the natural world.

Example

Growing up so close to the forest, the child found it hard to resist the call of the wild, preferring the company of the trees to that of her peers.

Longing for adventure, she felt the call of the wild and decided to go on a hiking expedition deep into the wilderness.

In literature and film, characters often heed the call of the wild, embarking on journeys that lead them to discover their true selves in the wilderness.