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

That is the test: if one can do one's duty when it means the loss of all one holds dear and valuable in the world.

From Caesar's Wife A comedy in three acts by Maugham, W. Somerset (William Somerset)

Dear boy, you know how few palpable results, naturally, an officer can show in time of peace; but still it's too much that one should do one's duty with no possible chance of any kudos.

From Jena or Sedan? by Beyerlein, Franz

I'm sorry, Sir Nigel, but—one must do one's duty, you know....

From The Riddle of the Frozen Flame by De Maris, Walter

"Oh, I don't know: I suppose to do one's duty, and make the best possible use of one's faculties, and avoid hurting other people."

From Of Human Bondage by Maugham, W. Somerset (William Somerset)