volunteer

army volunteer

To select, nominate, or assign someone to carry out a task or duty that they are unwilling or unprepared to undertake. My boss always army volunteers me to pick up lunch for the office. Of course I didn't offer to stuff all these envelopes—I was army volunteered for it! I'm so annoyed they army volunteered me to say a few words at the starts of the event. I hate public speaking!

See also: army, volunteer

volunteer as (something)

1. To choose or offer to assume or fulfill some role or position without being asked, directed, or required to do so. I don't know why everyone thinks I volunteered as class secretary, because I definitely didn't! She volunteered as the spokesperson of the group.

2. To perform some role or duty without pay, as for charity. I volunteer as a firefighter on the weekends. Why don't you volunteer as a reader down at the retirement home? They would really appreciate your help.

See also: volunteer

volunteer for (something)

To choose or offer to assume or undertake some position, role, or duty without being asked, directed, or required to do so. I know you didn't volunteer for this responsibility, but you've done an admirable job filling in after Jack left the company. She volunteered for the role, not realizing how much additional work it entailed.

See also: for, volunteer

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

volunteer as something

to submit oneself as a person ready or willing to do something. Would you be willing to volunteer as a marcher? I will volunteer as a helper in the hospital.

See also: volunteer

volunteer for something

 

1. to submit oneself for some task without being asked. Ivolunteered for the job. I didn't volunteer for this.

2. to work as an unpaid volunteer for a charity, etc. On Sundays she volunteers as a receptionist at the hospital.

See also: for, volunteer

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.