calling card

Noun

calling card (plural calling cards)

1. A small printed card which identifies the bearer, traditionally presented for introduction when making a social visit to a home or when attending a formal social event or business meeting.
   • If Mrs. Nelson does come here, you be sure to put on your white apron before you open the door; and for pity sake don't forget the card-tray! You ought to know better than to stick out your hand for a lady's calling-card.1905, Alice Hegan Rice, chapter 7, in Sandy, page 80

   Synonyms:

   at-home card, business card, name card, meishi, visiting card

2. (figuratively) An attribute, symptom, object, or behavior which is distinctly characteristic of someone or something.
   • Free and slightly funky chamber music is the calling card of this festival.2006 May 14, Anne Midgette, “Summer Stages: Mozart, Yes, But Also Much More”, in New York Times, retrieved 26 Sep 2008
   • The poisoning also turned Novichok into something of a Russian calling card.2020 September 2, “Aleksei Navalny Was Poisoned With Novichok, Germany Says”, in New York Times

   Synonyms:

   signature, mark, hallmark

3. (euphemistic) Excrement, especially of a domestic animal.
   • A guide dog left his calling card on the court at Tuesday night's Magic-Pistons game in Orlando.2005 January 21, Dwight Perry, “Sideline Chatter: Just doo it”, in Seattle Times, archived from the original on 04 Jan 2013
4. A phonecard.
   • Many experts now advise consumers to use a prepaid calling card to save money on long distance calls while staying in a hotel.2003 November 22, Michelle Singletary, “Traveler beware: Free things may cost you money”, in seattlepi.com, retrieved 26 Sep 2008

   Synonyms:

   telephone card

5. A card advertising the services of a prostitute.

   Synonyms:

   tart card

6. An explosive dropped from a bomber aeroplane.