At somebody’s beck and call

usgb
phrase

Always ready to help or do something for someone else.

He's always at his boss's beck and call, even during weekends.
Visual representation of "at somebody’s beck and call" - Always ready to help or do something for someone else

Often appears as...

  • be at someone's beck and call
  • respond to someone's beck and call

Usage tips

Disapproving

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "at somebody’s beck and call"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Readiness Implication

The phrase suggests someone is always readily available to assist or serve another person whenever asked.

Illustration for Readiness Implication
As the newest intern, I was at everybody's beck and call in the office.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Potentially Negative

Used to indicate that one's time is heavily controlled by someone else, which can sometimes carry a negative connotation of subservience.

Illustration for Potentially Negative
She felt frustrated being at her partner's beck and call all the time.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Literal

The phrase is figurative and doesn't mean one's presence is literally demanded; it's about being heavily relied upon.

Illustration for Not Literal
Even on his days off, the chef was at the restaurant owner's beck and call.
Visual representation of the word "At somebody’s beck and call"

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