duty calls: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘duty calls’ mean?
The idiom "duty calls" means that one must fulfill their obligations or responsibilities, even if it interferes with personal desires or preferences.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "pay one's dues" means to fulfill obligations or requirements, often through hard work or sacrifice, in order to achieve success or gain a certain position.
An explanation:
The idiom "due course" means in the appropriate or expected amount of time.
The idiom "do the honors" means to perform a special task or take on a role that is considered important or prestigious in a particular situation.
The idiom "do-or-die" means that a situation requires full commitment and determination. It suggests that failure is not an option and that one must give their utmost effort to succeed.
The idiom "dirty work" refers to unpleasant or morally questionable tasks that someone must do, often on behalf of another person, which they may not want to be associated with or take responsibility for.
The idiom "damned if one does and damned if one doesn't" means that no matter what action or decision one takes, they will face negative consequences or criticism.
The idiom "daily grind" refers to the everyday routine or monotonous tasks of one's job or life.
The idiom "cross to bear" means to have a burden or responsibility that one must carry or deal with throughout their life.
The idiom "come with the territory" means that certain difficulties or responsibilities are to be expected in a particular situation or occupation.
The idiom "come to someone's aid" means to help or support someone in need or in a difficult situation.
Deciphering Obligations
The idiom "duty calls" is related to the idiom "pay one's dues." Just as duty calls implies the need to prioritize and fulfill obligations, paying one's dues suggests that one must work hard, gain experience, and earn recognition in order to achieve success or reach a certain level. Both idioms emphasize the importance of dedication and responsibility.
The idiom "duty calls" can also be connected to the idiom "dirty work." While duty calls implies the need to prioritize responsibilities, the phrase "dirty work" conveys the idea that certain tasks or jobs are unpleasant, difficult, or not desirable. Sometimes, duty calls may require individuals to take on tasks that are considered the "dirty work" because they are necessary and cannot be avoided.
Another related idiom to "duty calls" is "be supposed to." Duty calls implies the obligation or responsibility to fulfill a particular duty, while "be supposed to" suggests that there is a societal or cultural expectation for a person to do something. Both idioms represent the idea that individuals have an expected role or duty to fulfill.
Lastly, the idiom "duty calls" is connected to the idiom "come with the territory." Duty calls implies the demand to fulfill responsibilities, while "come with the territory" suggests that certain challenges or obligations are inherent to a particular role or situation. Both idioms convey the idea that fulfilling responsibilities is a natural part of certain roles, jobs, or circumstances.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "duty calls" can be used in a sentence:
- She wanted to go out with her friends, but duty called and she had to stay late at work.
- He was enjoying his vacation when he received an urgent phone call from his boss - duty called him back to the office.
- They had planned a weekend getaway, but duty called as they were called to assist in a critical situation.
More "Responsibility" idioms
