Call off (something)

If you call off something, you cancel a planned activity or event.

1. It must be very awkward to call off a wedding, especially if a lot of money has already been spent. If you know it’s the right thing to do, it will be better in the long run.

2. Bahrain was going to host the 1st Formula 1 Grand Prix race of the season this year, but it was called off because of the unrest (conflict) and protests.

3. When it rains, fireworks events have to be called off, first of all because people generally don’t enjoy watching shows in the rain, and also the rain could damage the computerized systems that control the synchronization.

 
4. If it starts to rain during a sporting event such as a soccer or rugby match, normally the game is not called off, unless there is severe inclement weather or especially if lighting is observed. Take a look at this Youtube video where in a soccer match between two South African teams, the field was hit by lightning, shocking several players. The match was called off immediately as players were carried off the field and taken to hospital: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNJRPOltifI