We pressed the old chair into service as a desk.
press into service
idiomTo 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.
When the main projector broke, we pressed a laptop into service to show the presentation.
Lacking sufficient professional staff, the commander pressed the untrained volunteers into service to help defend the city walls.
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lip service
Promising but empty talk; words without action or intention.
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press on
To persist, to continue to advance.
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press the flesh
To shake hands and socialize, especially in a political gathering.
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press the panic button
To start to panic.
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stop press
Used to grab attention, implying importance, news-worthiness, etc.
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yellow press
Newspapers which publish sensationalist articles rather than well researched and sober journalism.
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yeoman's service
Arduous work, performed in a vigorous, committed manner.