YourDictionary

Dictionary Home » Phrase Meanings » do one's duty

What does "do one's duty" mean?

  1. Do one's tasks or what is expected of one. For example, He was only doing his duty when he made the children finish their work. [Early 1500s]
  2. Defecate or urinate, as in Please keep the dog outdoors until he does his duty. This euphemism for attending to such needs is heard less often today. [1930s]

link/cite print suggestion box