do someone's bidding
Serve another's wishes
To do someone's bidding is to carry out their commands or wishes, often with a connotation of subservience: The assistant did the CEO's bidding without question.
The phrase implies acting as an instrument of another's will rather than exercising independent judgment.
It can suggest reluctant compliance or willing service depending on context: Congress accused the agency of doing the industry's bidding.
- obeyFollow commands given
- do as toldFollow instructions given
- followGo behind another
- yes sirRespectful military assent
- servantOne employed to serve
follow orders · at your service · subordinate · dictate · underling · carry out · order · minion · lap dog · vassal · acquiesce · assign · fulfill · serf · submit · bow down · henchman · coerce
do someone's biddingthink for oneself
Reason without external direction
march to one's own drum · go one's own way · take the initiative
do someone's biddingcall the shots
Exercise ultimate authority
run the show · hold the reins · rule the roost · pull the strings · lord over
doing, undone, undoing, redone, someone, bidding, bidder, bidders, forbid