do one's duty

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.

"I felt it was my duty to come. I certainly felt it would be an unpleasant experience, but that's not a good enough reason not to do one's duty."

From BBC • Dec. 5, 2013

To do one's duty sounds a rather cold and cheerless business, but somehow in the end it does give one a queer sort of satisfaction.

From Caesar's Wife A comedy in three acts by Maugham, W. Somerset (William Somerset)

What’s the use of trying to do one’s duty if this sort of thing goes on?’ p.

From Crying for the Light, Vol. 1 [of 3] or Fifty Years Ago by Ritchie, J. Ewing (James Ewing)

One at least stood one's turn before sneaking off; one should not leave one's friends like a mean blackguard, even when going to do one's duty.

From L'Assommoir by Zola, Émile

One has come to a point when death seems very inconsiderable and only failure to do one's duty is an utter loss.

From Carry On Letters in War-Time by Dawson, Coningsby