press (someone or something) into service

idiom

: to use (someone or something) for a particular job or purpose when a special need occurs
Retired doctors and nurses were pressed into service to help care for the wounded.
The backup computer was pressed into service when the main computer failed.

Dictionary Entries Near press (someone or something) into service

press sheet

press (someone or something) into service

press (something) on (someone)

Cite this Entry

“Press (someone or something) into service.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/press%20%28someone%20or%20something%29%20into%20service. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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