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to wait on somebody hand and foot
01
to constantly attend to someone's every need or desire
IdiomWhat is the origin of the idiom "wait on someone hand and foot" and when to use it?
The idiom "wait on someone hand and foot" originated from historical practices of servitude and domestic service. When rich people had servants to fulfill all their needs. The phrase "hand and foot" underscores the completeness of the service, indicating that all aspects of the person's needs were tended to. Over time, it has evolved to describe exceptionally attentive help in various situations.
Example
The staff at the exclusive resort were ready to wait on the guests hand and foot, ensuring their every request was promptly fulfilled.
Some argue that parents who wait on their children hand and foot may hinder their development by not allowing them to become more independent.
