do the honors
Perform the ritual
To do the honors is to perform a ceremonial or customary task, usually one that confers a small distinction on the person asked: Would you do the honors and carve the turkey?
The phrase often accompanies pouring drinks, making introductions, or cutting a ribbon.
It frames routine actions as minor privileges rather than duties.
Begin officially, with ceremony
- presideLead a formal gathering
- commenceTo set underway
- dedicateSet apart formally
- launchSet into motion
keynote · officiate · unveil · christen · toast · ribbon-cutting · address · convocation
One receiving guests
- serveAttend to needs
- pourSend liquid streaming out
- carveCut to shape
- welcomeHospitable greeting offered
guest · invitation · reception · banquet · dinner · toast · gathering · entertainment
Courteous, respectful conduct
- etiquetteRules of polite conduct
- graciousnessCourteous, kind demeanor
- deferenceYielding to another's judgment
- gallantryCourage, especially in combat
respect · cordiality · civility · consideration · propriety · gentility · decorum · tactfulness
Favorable opinion of worth
- distinctionNotable difference or honor
- recognitionPerceiving something as known
- prestigeReputation commanding admiration
- favorKind act or preference
invitation · opportunity · tribute · acknowledgment · deference · VIP · entitlement · access
inaugurate
Begin officially, with ceremony
launch · keynote · officiate · unveil · christen · toast · ribbon-cutting · address · convocation · commencement
host
One receiving guests
welcome · guest · invitation · reception · banquet · dinner · toast · gathering · entertainment · hostess
politeness
Courteous, respectful conduct
- etiquetteRules of polite conduct
- graciousnessCourteous, kind demeanor
- deferenceYielding to another's judgment
gallantry · respect · cordiality · civility · consideration · propriety · gentility · decorum · tactfulness · manners
esteem
Favorable opinion of worth
- distinctionNotable difference or honor
- recognitionPerceiving something as known
- prestigeReputation commanding admiration
favor · invitation · opportunity · tribute · acknowledgment · deference · VIP · entitlement · access · patronage
do the honorsstep back
Create distance, literally/figuratively
take a back seat · bow out · pass the torch · delegate · abstain
honor, honored, honorable, honors, honoring, honorably, honorary, honours, honorific