do double 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.

A handmade glass can do double duty as a housewarming and a Mother’s Day gift.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

And even if, as it turned out, “Sweeney” was willing to wait until her “Mattress” run ended, she’d still have to do double duty — rehearsing “Sweeney” during the day while performing “Mattress” at night.

From New York Times • Feb. 19, 2024

Duchamp proposed that a metal rack for drying used wine bottles at a cafe, an ordinary hardware-store snow shovel or a plain bathroom urinal could all do double duty as sculptures.

From Los Angeles Times • May 30, 2023

In the score, European instruments do double duty; banjo can be played to resemble the Chinese sanxian, while guitar can sound like the pipa.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 23, 2023

“Now let’s fly round, and do double duty today, so that we can play tomorrow with free minds,” said Jo, preparing to replace her pen with a broom.

From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott