Do the honours

verb

To perform a task or duty for a group, typically a pleasant or ceremonious one.

Since you are our guest, would you do the honours of cutting the cake?
Visual representation of "do the honours" - To perform a task or duty for a group, typically a pleasant or ceremonious one

Often appears as...

  • do the honours of serving dinner
  • do the honours of opening the meeting

Usage tips

Idiomatic

verb

To act as a host or hostess, managing the proceedings.

Would Jane kindly do the honours and make all our guests feel welcome?
Visual representation of "do the honours" - To act as a host or hostess, managing the proceedings

Often appears as...

  • do the honours at the party
  • do the honours at the dinner

Usage tips

Idiomatic

verb

To perform a task or duty for a group, typically a pleasant or ceremonious one.

Since you are our guest, would you do the honours of cutting the cake?
Visual representation of "do the honours" - To perform a task or duty for a group, typically a pleasant or ceremonious one

Often appears as...

  • do the honours of serving dinner
  • do the honours of opening the meeting

Usage tips

Idiomatic

verb

To act as a host or hostess, managing the proceedings.

Would Jane kindly do the honours and make all our guests feel welcome?
Visual representation of "do the honours" - To act as a host or hostess, managing the proceedings

Often appears as...

  • do the honours at the party
  • do the honours at the dinner

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "do the honours"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Group Ceremonies

Used in social gatherings to invite someone to perform a special task.

Illustration for Group Ceremonies
Could you do the honours and propose a toast to the couple?
LampPro Tip 2/3

Positive Implication

Implies a positive task or action, often one that's considered an honor.

Illustration for Positive Implication
We want you to do the honours and unveil the plaque.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Guest Privilege

A guest or honored person is often asked to 'do the honours' as a form of respect.

Illustration for Guest Privilege
As the winning team, you get to do the honours and lift the trophy first.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Group Ceremonies

Used in social gatherings to invite someone to perform a special task.

Illustration for Group Ceremonies
Could you do the honours and propose a toast to the couple?
LampPro Tip 2/3

Positive Implication

Implies a positive task or action, often one that's considered an honor.

Illustration for Positive Implication
We want you to do the honours and unveil the plaque.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Guest Privilege

A guest or honored person is often asked to 'do the honours' as a form of respect.

Illustration for Guest Privilege
As the winning team, you get to do the honours and lift the trophy first.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Group Ceremonies

Used in social gatherings to invite someone to perform a special task.

Illustration for Group Ceremonies
Could you do the honours and propose a toast to the couple?
LampPro Tip 2/3

Positive Implication

Implies a positive task or action, often one that's considered an honor.

Illustration for Positive Implication
We want you to do the honours and unveil the plaque.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Guest Privilege

A guest or honored person is often asked to 'do the honours' as a form of respect.

Illustration for Guest Privilege
As the winning team, you get to do the honours and lift the trophy first.
Visual representation of the word "Do the honours"

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