do one's duty



do one's duty

1. Do one's tasks or what is expected of one. For example, He was only doing his duty when he made the children finish their work. [Early 1500s]
2. Defecate or urinate, as in Please keep the dog outdoors until he does his duty. This euphemism for attending to such needs is heard less often today. [1930s]
See also: duty

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Joyner['dʒɔinə]
Brianabree-AN-ə, bree-AHN-ə, brie-AN-əEnglish
LincolnLING-kənEnglish
KaleighKAY-lee, KA-leeEnglish (Modern)
Caradoc-Welsh
Vercingetorixwer-keeng-GE-to-reeks (Ancient Roman), vur-sin-JET-ə-riks (English)Ancient Celtic