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

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

This drum had to do duty as cooking-pot.

From Through Shot and Flame The Adventures and Experiences of J. D. Kestell Chaplain to President Steyn and General Christian De Wet by Kestell, J. D. (John Daniel)

Now, I am willing to do duty as supercargo, even without pay, but I won't lend a hand in any transaction that I don't like the look of.

From A Modern Buccaneer by Boldrewood, Rolf

It often happens that an amount of resemblance only sufficient for a rhetorical simile is made to do duty as a solid argument.

From Logic, Inductive and Deductive by Minto, William