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Dictionary

Words, grammatical forms and meanings linked to the ontology.

carry someone's water en · VERB

Pronunciation

Meanings

  1. (idiomatic, intransitive) To do someone's bidding; to serve someone's interests.
    • I've discovered the Lord doesn't need lackeys, lieutenants, minions, representatives and envoys to carry His water and discharge His affairs. 2005, Martin Clark, Plain Heathen Mischief, page 394:
    • "I hear things are good." / Moran shrugged. "Depends on who you're talking to. Who would you be talking to, Squire?" / "Frank" / "I thought that might be it. You still carrying his water? 1996, James Carroll, The City Below, page 287:
    • "Nope. Just here to see a staffer about something." / "Staffers. Yeah, well. They hold the Congressman's bag and carry his water sometimes all right." 2006, James Bruno, Chasm, page 113:

Forms

SpellingFeaturesLabelsSource
carried someone's water Tense=Past, VerbForm=Part lexicographic
carried someone's water Tense=Past lexicographic
carrying someone's water Tense=Pres, VerbForm=Part lexicographic
carries someone's water Number=Sing, Person=3, Tense=Pres lexicographic

Synonyms

serve