do duty as

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Having reached Safeway with no fatalities, Stassin and I ordered our respective Loomos to trail us, so that they could do duty as shopping carts.

From The New Yorker • Nov. 19, 2018

This anxiety was, however, speedily relieved, by the appearance of Miss Cecile on the upper deck of the junk, waving a petticoat, which she had made do duty as a flag of truce.

From The Three Midshipmen by Prout, Victor

Mr Mildmay will be mighty glad to find that he hasn’t to do duty as first lieutenant, though I don’t know what old Sandford may wish in his heart of hearts.

From The Three Commanders by Dugdale, Thomas Cantrell

Upstairs Marie the maid was unpacking endless boxes of clothes, and hanging them up in a spare room fitted to do duty as an immense wardrobe.

From Lady Cassandra by Vaizey, George de Horne, Mrs.

The firing from the centre was made over the backs of the ponies and mustangs, who in such emergencies are made to do duty as a breastwork.

From Sword and Pen Ventures and Adventures of Willard Glazier by Owens, John Algernon