ENGLISH
REFERENCE

press into service

idiom

To make someone perform a task or duty, especially one they are not prepared or willing to do; to make something serve a function, especially one it was not designed or intended for.


Anchors to
Related idioms7entries
  1. 01

    lip service

    Promising but empty talk; words without action or intention.

  2. 02

    press on

    To persist, to continue to advance.

  3. 03

    press the flesh

    To shake hands and socialize, especially in a political gathering.

  4. 04

    press the panic button

    To start to panic.

  5. 05

    stop press

    Used to grab attention, implying importance, news-worthiness, etc.

  6. 06

    yellow press

    Newspapers which publish sensationalist articles rather than well researched and sober journalism.

  7. 07

    yeoman's service

    Arduous work, performed in a vigorous, committed manner.

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