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!
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
at one's beck and call
Required to tend to someone’s wishes; totally under someone’s control. The obsolete noun beck, which survives only in this cliché, meant a mute signal or gesture of command, such as a nod of the head or a pointing of the finger; the verbal form, to beckon, still exists, as does call, for a vocal summons.
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer Copyright © 2013 by Christine Ammer