Understanding idioms about duty can enhance your English communication skills, making your expressions more vivid and relatable. This blog post explores 20 idioms that describe duty, providing their meanings and example sentences. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or an English language enthusiast, these idioms will enrich your vocabulary and comprehension.
Idioms That Describe Duty
1. Call of Duty
Meaning: A strong feeling of obligation.
Example: He answered the call of duty and enlisted.
2. Above and Beyond
Meaning: Exceeding what is required.
Example: She went above and beyond to help others.
3. Bend Over Backwards
Meaning: Make a great effort to help.
Example: They bent over backwards to meet the deadline.
4. Do One’s Bit
Meaning: Contribute one’s share.
Example: Everyone did their bit to clean up.
5. Toe the Line
Meaning: Follow rules and regulations.
Example: Employees must toe the line at all times.
6. Carry the Weight
Meaning: Bear the responsibility.
Example: She carried the weight of managing the project.
7. Fulfill One’s Duty
Meaning: Complete one’s responsibilities.
Example: He fulfilled his duty without hesitation.
8. Answer the Call
Meaning: Respond to a need or duty.
Example: Many answered the call to volunteer.
9. Take the Helm
Meaning: Assume leadership or responsibility.
Example: She took the helm during the crisis.
10. Go the Extra Mile
Meaning: Make an extra effort.
Example: He always goes the extra mile for clients.
11. Hold the Fort
Meaning: Maintain control in someone’s absence.
Example: Can you hold the fort while I’m away?
12. In the Line of Duty
Meaning: While performing one’s job.
Example: He was injured in the line of duty.
13. Rise to the Occasion
Meaning: Perform well in difficult situations.
Example: She rose to the occasion during the emergency.
14. Stick to One’s Guns
Meaning: Maintain one’s position or opinion.
Example: He stuck to his guns despite the pressure.
15. Under Obligation
Meaning: Required to do something.
Example: She felt under obligation to attend.
16. Do One’s Duty
Meaning: Fulfill one’s responsibilities.
Example: He did his duty without any complaint.
17. Pay One’s Dues
Meaning: Earn something through hard work.
Example: She paid her dues to reach the top.
18. Take Responsibility
Meaning: Accept the duty of something.
Example: He took responsibility for the error.
19. Shoulder the Burden
Meaning: Carry the responsibility.
Example: She shouldered the burden of the family’s finances.
20. Stand Up and Be Counted
Meaning: Take action for a cause.
Example: He stood up and was counted in the vote.
