take orders
Do as told
To take orders is to accept commands or instructions from someone in authority: He doesn't take orders well.
The phrase often carries overtones of subordination or resentment—someone who takes orders may lack autonomy or decision-making power.
In restaurants and retail, to take orders is simply to record what customers want: The waiter came to take our orders.
In religious contexts, to take orders is to be ordained as a member of the clergy.
Follow rules or requests
fulfill · adhere · conform · defer · submit · acquiesce · yield · abide
Formal authority hierarchy
- superiorHigher in rank
- subordinateOne lower in rank
- rankPosition in hierarchy
- bossWorkplace superior
supervisor · manager · commander · authority · sergeant · captain · lieutenant · general
One who serves tables
- waitressFemale restaurant attendant
- serverOne who attends tables
- cashierTill operator
- baristaProfessional café drink maker
counter · customer · menu · restaurant · diner · café · drive-through · notepad
Yielding to others' wishes
- docileEasily controlled or taught
- obedientFollowing commands willingly
- deferentialShowing humble submission
- subservientExcessively eager to obey
dutiful · meek · passive · acquiescent · biddable · tractable · amenable · pliable
comply
Follow rules or requests
execute · fulfill · adhere · conform · defer · submit · acquiesce · yield · abide · observe
chain of command
Formal authority hierarchy
- superiorHigher in rank
- subordinateOne lower in rank
- rankPosition in hierarchy
boss · supervisor · manager · commander · authority · sergeant · captain · lieutenant · general · admiral
waiter
One who serves tables
barista · counter · customer · menu · restaurant · diner · café · drive-through · notepad · register
compliant
Yielding to others' wishes
- docileEasily controlled or taught
- obedientFollowing commands willingly
- deferentialShowing humble submission
subservient · dutiful · meek · passive · acquiescent · biddable · tractable · amenable · pliable · submissive
- Hierarchy termspecking order, junior, chain of command, secondary, totem pole
take orderscommand
Authoritative instruction given
call the shots · lead · direct · boss around · dictate
take, taken, taking, orders, takes, ordain, taker, ordination, takers