call upon nature
to go to the toilet
TRANSLATION
die Toilette besuchen
STATISTICS
IN THE PRESS
Driver Calls Upon Nature Instead of 911 to Put Out Fire - NEWBOLD, England - A driver of Newbold, England put out the flames of his burning automobile using his own built-in fire extinguisher. According to car owner Carl Ellis, the key got stuck in the ignition and when he removed the barrel some metal caught a wire and sparked a fire. With no water or a fire extinguisher immediately at hand, Ellis reportedly unzipped his pants and "let nature do its work." Derbyshire fire service have accepted the fact that Ellis' actions possibly saved greater damage but advised anyone in a similar situation to call them out instead."
(Bizarre News - August 2001)
(Bizarre News - August 2001)
Did you
know?
In Britain and America any phrase using the word "toilet" is still to be avoided in polite company.
During my first months in Germany I asked a receptionist "Wo ist die Toilette?" in my best British English: "Where can I wash my hands?". She directed me to a small room with a coffee machine and a washbasin!
We have many indirect expressions to signal essential bodily functions - "to answer the call of nature" or "to call upon nature" are among the nicest.
Next time you feel the urge, you can also politely excuse yourself with the phrase "nature calls".
During my first months in Germany I asked a receptionist "Wo ist die Toilette?" in my best British English: "Where can I wash my hands?". She directed me to a small room with a coffee machine and a washbasin!
We have many indirect expressions to signal essential bodily functions - "to answer the call of nature" or "to call upon nature" are among the nicest.
Next time you feel the urge, you can also politely excuse yourself with the phrase "nature calls".
