Idioms

at beck and call

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at (one's) beck and call

Completely compliant or obedient to another person; catering to one's every need. The phrase has a negative connotation. Do you really think I'll do anything you say? I'm not at your beck and call! A: "How can we get to the mall this weekend?" B: "Oh, my sister will take us—she's been at my beck and call ever since I caught her sneaking in past curfew!" It would be nice to get my own work done without being interrupted all day long, but it's like the boss thinks I'm at his beck and call!
See also: and, beck, call
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

at someone's beck and call

ready to obey someone. What makes you think I wait around here at your beck and call? I have to leave for work, you know! It was a fine hotel. There were dozens of maids and waiters at our beck and call.
See also: and, beck, call
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

at (someone's) beck and call

Ready to comply with any wish or command.
See also: and, beck, call
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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