do double duty — to serve two functions or purposes simultaneously; to work in two different roles or capacities at the same time
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: to serve two functions or purposes simultaneously; to work in two different roles or capacities at the same time
Pronunciation (IPA): /duː ˈdʌb(ə)l ˈduːti/
Example Sentences
- My coffee table does double duty as a storage box for my secret snack collection.
- The guest bedroom does double duty as my home office during the week.
- This smartphone app does double duty as both a calculator and a tip splitter for awkward dinner dates.
do double duty
NOUN[/duː ˈdʌb(ə)l ˈduːti/]
to serve two functions or purposes simultaneously; to work in two different roles or capacities at the same time
to serve two functions or purposes simultaneously; to work in two different roles or capacities at the same time
This beauty and cutie does double duty!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The phrase combines 'double' from Latin 'duplus' (twofold) and 'duty' from Old French 'dueté' (something owed or required). Originally a military term describing one person performing two shifts of service, the expression has expanded to mean any single entity or person simultaneously fulfilling two distinct roles or functions.
Breakdown
do (perform) + double (from Latin duplus, meaning twofold) + duty (from Old French dueté, meaning obligation or assigned role). The compound expresses performing two duties or functions at once.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My coffee table does double duty as a storage box for my secret snack collection.”
“The guest bedroom does double duty as my home office during the week.”
“This smartphone app does double duty as both a calculator and a tip splitter for awkward dinner dates.”
“The new employee does double duty, working as both receptionist and security guard.”
📚Related Words
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