Meaning: This idiom means that someone has to attend to their responsibilities or obligations, often implying that these duties are of immediate or pressing nature.
Usage in Example Sentences:
- “I’d love to stay for dinner, but duty calls and I have to finish this report tonight.”
- “She wanted to join her friends for the weekend trip, but duty calls and she has to work.”
- “As much as I’d like to relax, duty calls and I need to take care of some errands.”
Origin: The origin of the idiom “duty calls” is rooted in the concept of duty, which refers to a moral or legal obligation to perform certain tasks or responsibilities. The phrase has been used in English for many centuries to express the idea that one’s obligations take precedence over other activities. It is often used to explain why someone must leave or attend to their work or responsibilities, even if they would prefer to be doing something else. The phrase emphasizes the importance of fulfilling one’s duties when required.
