Word: Tour of Duty
Definition:
A "tour of duty" is a noun that refers to a specific period of time that a person, especially a soldier, spends serving in the military. During this time, they may be stationed in a particular location or involved in specific missions.
Usage Instructions:
You can use "tour of duty" when discussing military service or assignments. It is commonly used to describe the length of time someone will be actively serving.
Example Sentence:
"After completing his tour of duty in Afghanistan, he returned home to his family."
Advanced Usage:
In a broader context, the term may also be used metaphorically to describe a person's commitment to a job or role outside of the military, though this is less common.
Word Variants:
- Tour (noun): A journey or trip, often for pleasure. - Duty (noun): A task or responsibility that someone is required to perform.
Different Meanings:
- Tour: In a non-military context, it can refer to a journey or visit to several places. - Duty: In everyday language, it can refer to any responsibility or task one is expected to do.
Synonyms:
- Military assignment - Deployment - Service period
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
While "tour of duty" doesn’t have direct idioms or phrasal verbs associated with it, you might hear phrases related to military service, such as: - "On the front lines" (referring to being in active combat) - "In the line of duty" (referring to performing one's job responsibilities, especially in a dangerous situation)
Conclusion:
Understanding "tour of duty" helps you appreciate the commitment and responsibilities of military service members.