Idioms

incumbent on

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incumbent (up)on (someone)

Imposed or expected as an obligation, duty, or requirement on someone. As the wealthier citizens of the country, it's my firm belief that it is incumbent upon us to contribute toward the welfare of those who are less fortunate. He felt it was incumbent on him to take over the responsibilities of his father's business. As a parent, it is incumbent upon you to instill into your kids a sense of respect for others, sheesh.
See also: incumbent
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

incumbent on

Also, incumbent upon. Imposed as an obligation or duty on, obligatory for. For example, He felt it was incumbent on us all to help the homeless. [Mid-1500s]
See also: incumbent, on
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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