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

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

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)

Helping her son in the apprenticeship of the Empire, Agrippina did her duty; but during restless times when misunderstanding is almost a law of social life, it is often very dangerous to do one's duty.

From Characters and events of Roman History by Ferrero, Frances Lance

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)