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

But made to do duty as a daub, it is unjustifiable.

From Ainslee's, Vol. 15, No. 5, June 1905 by Various

"I suggest that the past officers take the places of the second, third, and fourth lieutenants, who shall do duty as seamen," said Leavitt, the second officer.

From Down the Rhine Young America in Germany by Optic, Oliver

When the preparations for the metamorphosis are at hand, the stomachic pouch, having no longer to do duty as a digestive laboratory, serves the insect as a factory, or a warehouse for different purposes.

From The Glow-Worm and Other Beetles by Teixeira de Mattos, Alexander

Round the base of the desk three quaint lions do duty as feet.

From The Care of Books by Clark, John Willis