calling card
noun1
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:
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:
1 more example
- She didn’t set out to make candor her calling card.2020 October 3, Sanam Yar, “Lili Reinhart Is Just Being Honest”, in New York Times:
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:
5
A card advertising the services of a prostitute.
6
An explosive dropped from a bomber aeroplane.