duty

be duty bound to do something

if you are duty bound to do something, you have to do it because it is your duty. The government is duty bound to compensate those who lost money. I've been given a certain amount of training so I feel duty bound to stay in the job for at least a year.

See also: bound

do (double) duty as/for something (American & Australian)

to also have another purpose. They make an electronic identity card that will do duty for a credit card and pocket calculator. She's really the secretary but she does double duty as the receptionist during Katrina's lunch hour.

heavy-duty (American & Australian, informal)

complicated and very serious. Studies show that the homeless develop some heavy-duty health problems living on the streets. (always before noun)

in the line of duty

if you do something in the line of duty, or if something happens to you in the line of duty, you do it or it happens as a part of your job. He was killed in the line of duty.

See also: line

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(above and) beyond the call of duty

much more than should be expected. If your waiter goes beyond the call of duty, leave a bigger tip.

above and beyond something

Etymology: first used about police officers, fire fighters, or soldiers who were injured or killed while doing their jobs

See also: beyond, call

do double duty

1. to do two jobs at one time. Kudrow does double duty in the show, playing her regular role and the character's twin sister.

2. to be used for two different activities. Three conference rooms do double duty as dining rooms when the main dining room is full.

See also: double

duty bound to do something

required to do something. Investigators are duty bound to find out what happened and make a report.

See also: bound

in the line of duty

while doing what was expected in a particular job. A police officer was killed in the line of duty while chasing a suspect.

Usage notes: mostly used about police and others who do dangerous work

See also: line

off duty

not working. She goes off duty at midnight. The police officer was charged with robbing Castillo while he was off duty.

Usage notes: usually said about soldiers, police, medical workers, and people who work a scheduled period of time

on duty

working. A physical therapist is on duty in the fitness center from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. He didn't have time to talk about it right then because he was on duty for another three hours.

Usage notes: usually said about soldiers, police, medical workers, and people who work a scheduled period of time