wait upon hand and foot: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘wait upon hand and foot’ mean?
The idiom "wait upon hand and foot" means to serve someone in an extremely attentive and subservient manner, fulfilling their every need and desire.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "wait on someone hand and foot" means to cater to someone's every need or desire, providing them with constant attention and service.
When someone waits on another person hand, foot, and finger, it means they cater to their every need and desire, going above and beyond to provide assistance and support.
The idiom "wait on hand, foot and finger" means to serve someone excessively or be extremely attentive to their needs and desires.
The idiom "wait in the wings" means to be ready and prepared to take action or to be involved in a situation, without being directly in the spotlight or participating at that moment.
The idiom "wait around" means to stay in a place, usually without a specific purpose, while expecting something to happen or someone to arrive.
The idiom "on one's feet" means to be standing or upright physically, or to be financially stable and self-sufficient. It can also refer to being prepared and ready for action.
The idiom "on hand" means to be available or accessible in the present moment or in a particular place.
The idiom "keep someone on their toes" means to keep someone alert, attentive, or prepared for any unexpected situation.
The idiom "hold someone's feet to the fire" means to put pressure on someone or hold them accountable for their actions or words.
Servile Hospitality: Unwavering Obligations
wait on someone hand and foot is an idiom that describes being served or attended to in an extremely attentive and subservient manner. It emphasizes the level of care and attention being given, indicating that the person is being treated with the utmost respect and consideration. This phrase has origins in the Middle Ages, when servants would diligently cater to their masters' needs as a sign of wealth and status. Today, the idiom is used more figuratively to convey being excessively pampered or looked after. It is widely understood and used in both formal and informal contexts.
"wait on hand, foot and finger" is a related idiom that emphasizes an even higher level of attentiveness and servitude. It adds an extra layer to the already intense care and attention being given. This phrase is often used metaphorically to convey the idea of being attended to in an extremely thorough and comprehensive manner. It further emphasizes the depth of the relationship between the person being served and the one providing the service.
"wait on someone hand, foot and finger" is another related idiom that mirrors the previous one. It conveys the same sense of being attended to in an exceedingly thorough and comprehensive manner, but adds a personal touch by including the use of fingers. This suggests that every small detail is being taken care of, leaving no room for any shortcomings. It highlights the level of precision and dedication being put into the service being provided.
These related idioms all share the same underlying concept of being served or attended to with great care and attention. They add various levels of emphasis to the level of service being given, ranging from simply being served hand and foot, to being attended to with the utmost thoroughness and precision of hand, foot, and finger. They all convey the idea of an extraordinary level of care and attention, symbolizing a relationship where the person being served is the center of attention and their needs are the top priority.
Using these idioms in everyday conversation can add depth and nuance to discussions about service and relationships. They provide a vivid picture of the level of care and attention being given, and can help to convey the idea of a highly attentive and subservient manner. Whether used in a literal or metaphorical sense, these idioms serve as a reminder of the importance of showing care and consideration in all relationships and interactions.
The idiom "wait upon hand and foot" is commonly used in the English language to describe being served or attended to in an extremely attentive and subservient manner. Its origins can be traced back to the Middle Ages, where servants would diligently cater to their masters' needs as a sign of wealth and status. Today, it is used more figuratively to convey being excessively pampered or looked after. It is one of several related idioms that emphasize different levels of attentiveness, with "wait on hand, foot and finger" and "wait on someone hand, foot and finger" adding further emphasis and precision to the level of service being given. These idioms highlight the significance of care and attention in relationships and interactions, emphasizing the importance of showing consideration and putting the needs of others first.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *wait upon hand and foot* can be used in a sentence:
- The hotel staff provided excellent service, waiting upon us hand and foot throughout our stay.
- She was so pampered by her parents that they waited upon her hand and foot, fulfilling her every desire.
- As a celebrity, he was used to having assistants and personal staff who waited upon him hand and foot.
More "Service" idioms
