at (one's) command

Among one's available resources or skills. With so much experience at his command, he's definitely the best candidate for the job we're trying to fill. A: "Don't forget that he also has that booming slapshot he has at his command!" B: "OK, I can see why he's among the league's highly-touted prospects." I've been trying to learn Italian, but I still don't have it at my command or anything.

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at (someone's) command

Available to help or serve someone else. As the resident file clerk, I am at your command! How can I help with this project? 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 command! If you need anything during your stay, our staff is at your command.

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be at (one's) command

To be available to help or serve one. As the resident file clerk, I am at your command! How can I help with this project? If you need anything during your stay, our staff is at your command. I'm at your command, sir. What can I do for you?

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chain of command

The hierarchy of people with authority in a particular setting or situation. I know I can't complain to the CEO directly, but there must be someone in the chain of command that I can talk to! Remember that you lie below me in the chain of command, Corporal. So you would do well to watch your tone of voice. A serious issue like this needs to be escalated to the top of the chain of command at once.

command performance

1. A performance, such as a play, ballet, opera, etc., that is presented at the behest of royalty or a head of government. The theater troupe was always at the ready to give a command performance, should the queen so desire it. No, no, our prima ballerina can't be injured, not on the eve of our command performance! This is a command performance for the Queen of Denmark, so every aspect of it must be perfect.

2. By extension, any task or activity (typically outside of normal work duties) that one undertakes or performs at the request of someone in a position of authority. When I was an intern, I always had to give command performances for visiting businessmen, such as taking them out to dinner or arranging entertainment for them during their stay. Once a season, all the rookies are tasked with a command performance—going out to fetch coffee for all the veterans. Filing is your primary responsibility, but really, anyone in the department can pull you at any time for a command performance, especially if there's a big project going on.

3. Any obligatory occasion or situation that one is required or expected to attend, as at the behest of an employer or person of authority. These fundraising dinners, though technically "optional," are really command performances for the members of staff. A: "The king is asking for you, sir." B: "Goodness, I suppose he's looking for a command performance while his betrothed is here." A: "Wait, I have to go to this industry event too? But I'm only part-time." B: "It's a command performance for all of us, dear. No one is safe."

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have a good command of (something)

To be knowledgeable about or skilled in a particular area or thing. If you don't have a good command of the course material, then you won't do well on the exam. I thought I'd have a good command of English grammar after I finished this book, but I still don't understand the difference between a noun and a pronoun! My tutor was a huge help, and I finally feel like I have a good command of polynomials!

he that cannot obey cannot command

proverb A true leader is capable of taking orders from others. Don't make that guy a manager—he never listens to anything his bosses say! And he that cannot obey cannot command. I wouldn't trust Dave to lead a troop of Boy Scouts! He's a total hothead, and, as they say, he that cannot obey cannot command. You need to learn how to take orders before you can give them. He that cannot obey cannot command—remember that.

second in command

In a hierarchy, the person who is second in power and importance to only one other person. In the United States, the vice president is second in command to the president.

your wish is my command

Whatever you ask me to do, I will do it; I will happily do the thing you just asked. Usually used humorously or ironically. A: "Honey, would you get me a soda from the kitchen?" B: "Of course, my love, your wish is my command." A: "Go into the shed and fetch me my hammer." B: "Your wish is my command, oh master." A: "Don't sass me, boy, just do it!"

chain of command

Fig. the series or sequence of holders of responsibility in a hierarchy. The only way to get things done in the military is to follow the chain of command. Never try to go straight to the top.

have a good command of something

to know something well. Bill has a good command of French. Jane has a good command of economic theory.

He that cannot obey cannot command.

Prov. If you want to become a leader, you should first learn how to follow someone else. Jones can't seem to do anything I ask him to. He'll never get anywhere; he that cannot obey cannot command.

command performance

An occasion that one is obliged to attend, as in My boss's invitations to dinner are always a command performance. This term originally (late 1800s) denoted a theatrical or musical performance presented at the behest of a sovereign or head of state. By the 1930s it was also used figuratively for any more or less obligatory occasion or performance.

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have a good command of

Have the ability to use or control; have mastery of. For example, She has a remarkably good command of Japanese, or He had a good command of his emotions. [Mid-1600s]

at your comˈmand

if you have a skill or an amount of something at your command, you are able to use it well and completely: With four European languages at her command, she’s thinking of working for the EU.

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be at somebody’s comˈmand

(formal) be ready to obey somebody: I’m at your command — what would you like me to do?

See also: command

your wish is my comˈmand

(humorous) I am ready to do anything you ask me to do: ‘Put the kettle on, will you?’ ‘Your wish is my command.’These are the words of the genie (= a spirit with magical powers) in the story about Aladdin in The Thousand and One Nights.