In the dictionary, pick the phone means to answer a phone
For example, The phone rang and rang and nobody picked up.
So is "take a call" which means to answer one
For example, Monica took the call upstairs.
I have been watching a lot of English/American films and it seems that most people will say "Sorry, I have to take this" when their phones are ringing.
Are "I have to take this call" and "I have to pick up the phone" the same?
When do we say "I have to take this call" and "I have to pick up the phone"?
Also, is "this/the call" in "I'll take this/the call" refer to the call of the one who called or the receiver?
For example, suppose Tom (a he) is calling Mary (a she). Now Mary's phone is ringing.
Is it correct for Mary to say "I have to take his call" or "I have to take my call"?
Note: Some people say that "pick up the phone" is outdated because we are now in the smartphone era and people prefer to say "take this call". Maybe, in the past, they say "pick up the phone" more.
Best Answer
I think pick up the phone relates to the older type of telephone, where you answered the call by lifting the receiver off the cradle, and you didn't know who was on the other end (unless you were expecting a call).
People say "I have to take this call" when referring to a mobile phone (cell phone). You usually know who is calling and therefore whether the message is likely to be important. If Tom is calling, it's his call (originated by him).