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

It requires a bold heart to be ready to do one's duty, unmoved by the sneers of others.

From The Child at Home The Principles of Filial Duty, Familiarly Illustrated by Abbott, John S. C. (John Stevens Cabot)

To do one's duty because one expects to reap advantage is not to have done one's duty.

From An Outline of the History of Christian Thought Since Kant by Moore, Edward Caldwell

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)

Dear boy, you know how few palpable results, naturally, an officer can show in time of peace; but still it's too much that one should do one's duty with no possible chance of any kudos.

From Jena or Sedan? by Beyerlein, Franz