Wait on hand and foot meaning

Wait on hand and foot definitions

When someone is being waited on hand and foot, it means they are being attended to in a very attentive and servile manner. This expression originated from the idea of being so well cared for that one does not need to lift a finger to do anything.

Origin of the Phrase

The phrase "wait on hand and foot" dates back to the mid-17th century and was first used by Sir Thomas Browne in his work 'The Garden of Cyrus.' It implies giving someone the highest level of care and attention, almost to the point of being overly pampered.

Meaning and Connotation

Being waited on hand and foot suggests being treated with utmost care and service, as if one is royalty. It conveys a sense of being catered to in every possible way, with all needs being anticipated and met without having to ask.

Examples of Usage

People may use this phrase in various contexts to describe situations where someone is receiving excessive attention or care. For instance, a wealthy individual might have personal assistants who wait on them hand and foot, tending to their every need.

Alternatives and Similar Expressions

There are several alternative phrases that convey a similar meaning, such as "being at someone's beck and call" or "catering to someone's every whim." These expressions all highlight the idea of providing attentive and exhaustive service to someone.

Overuse and Negative Connotations

While being waited on hand and foot may sound appealing to some, it can also have negative connotations. It may suggest a lack of independence or self-sufficiency, as the person receiving such treatment may become reliant on others for even the most basic tasks.

In conclusion, the expression "wait on hand and foot" captures the essence of being lavishly cared for, with every need being anticipated and attended to. While it conveys a sense of luxury and attentiveness, it also raises questions about dependency and self-sufficiency.

Wait on hand and foot Examples

1. I expect my personal assistant to wait on hand and foot for my every need.
2. The wealthy businessman demanded that his servants wait on hand and foot during his dinner party.
3. She was used to being waited on hand and foot by her family members.
4. The diva requested that her entourage wait on hand and foot while she prepared for her performance.
5. The queen is accustomed to having servants wait on hand and foot in the royal palace.
6. The celebrity expects her assistants to wait on hand and foot at all times.
7. The elderly man needed someone to wait on hand and foot as he recovered from surgery.
8. The bridezilla demanded that her bridesmaids wait on hand and foot during the wedding preparations.
9. The CEO wanted his executive assistant to wait on hand and foot during his business trip.
10. The rock star required his roadies to wait on hand and foot while on tour.

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