The phrase "doth what one is told" means to obey someone's instructions. The spelling of this phrase may seem odd to modern readers but it reflects the way English was spoken in the past. The word "doth" is a third-person singular form of "do" in the present tense. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is transcribed as /dʌθ/. The phrase also includes the word "one" which is pronounced as /wʌn/. Together, the phrase is pronounced as /dʌθ wɒt wʌn ɪz toʊld/.
The phrase "doth what one is told" refers to the act of obeying or following instructions or commands given by someone else without question or hesitation. It typically implies a sense of subservience, compliance, or a willingness to carry out tasks or directives as directed by another individual.
The term "doth" is an archaic form of the verb "do," often associated with old English language or poetic usage. It conveys an action performed by a third-person singular subject, emphasizing a formal or traditional tone.
When someone "doth what one is told," they display a willingness to comply with instructions or orders, often demonstrating obedience, respect, or acceptance of authority. This phrase can apply to various situations, such as a subordinate following the orders of a superior in a hierarchical structure, a child carrying out tasks as instructed by a parent, or an individual following the guidance of a mentor or teacher.
The concept of "doth what one is told" often suggests a lack of personal autonomy or decision-making, as it assumes the individual is adhering to external direction rather than acting on their own volition. However, the phrase does not necessarily imply any negative connotations and may simply denote an individual's ability to follow directions effectively, showing discipline, dependability, and cooperation.