fetch and carry

Idioms  

1. Do errands and other menial tasks, as in She was hired as administrative assistant, but all she does is fetch and carry for the department's supervisor. This expression originally alluded to dogs that were taught to carry various objects for their masters. It has been applied to humans since the late 1700s.

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Example Sentences

The Sea Kings are being used to pick up casualties needing urgent medical help, move special forces into position, and fetch and carry equipment.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2023

Starting next year the company plans to market its Great Dane-sized SpotMini to businesses as a dog-like helper to fetch and carry items around workplaces.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 9, 2018

She does not want to fetch and carry for someone 24/7.

From New York Times • Mar. 5, 2012

"What do girls want with men?" he demanded in a letter to Kipling, "didn't I flatter her enough, glare at her enough, fetch and carry and be abject enough!"

From The Guardian • Aug. 25, 2011

All mice of Aunt Fannie’s years have nieces, and she used hers to fetch and carry for her.

From "Secrets at Sea" by Richard Peck