much obliged
1. Indebted to someone for their generosity, kindness, or favor. We are much obliged for all you have done on behalf of our father.
2. Thank you very much. A: "Here's your jacket, sir." B: "Much obliged, son."
noblesse obligé
Altruistic, honorable behavior or deeds that are an assumed responsibility of people of nobility or, more broadly, economic privilege. Taken from French, literally meaning "nobility obligates." The president of the tech megacorporation seems fixated on noblesse obligé these days, seemingly spending more time doing volunteer and charity work than actually running his own company.
oblige (one) by (doing something)
To make one indebted by doing something for them or on their behalf; to do something that accommodates one. You're under no circumstances required to oblige your employers by giving up your legal rights in this case. I was wondering if you would oblige me by picking up a parcel for me from the post office.
oblige (one) to (do something)
To compel, bind, or otherwise force one to do something out of a moral or legal obligation. You cannot oblige your employees to put themselves in harm's way. It's simply not the case that pregnancy obliges a couple to get married any longer.
oblige (one) with (something)
To grace, accommodate, or provide one with some service or favor. The famous movie star was always happy to oblige his fans with autographs and pictures. Go on, Auntie May, oblige us with a story!
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
Much obliged.
Rur. Thankful and owing a debt of gratitude. A: Sit down, Elmer, and have a drink on me. B: Much obliged.
oblige someone by something
to accommodate someone by doing something. Please oblige me by closing the window. Would you oblige me by accompanying me to the dance?
oblige someone to do something
to require someone to do something. You are obliged to arrive on time and enter by the side door. The lateness of the hour obliged Tony to enter by the back door.
oblige someone with something
to accommodate someone with something. He obliged her with a willing attitude. Please oblige me with a big piece of cake.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.