чего изволите

• ЧЕГО ИЗВОЛИТЕ{{}}

[Invar; fixed WO]

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1. obs [indep. sent]

⇒ (used as a deferential question) what would you like me to do for you?:

- in what way may I serve you?;

- what would you like?;

- what can <might> I do for you?;

- [in limited contexts] yes, sir <ma'am>?

     ♦ "Захар!" - сказал он. "Чего изволите?" - вяло отозвался Захар (Гончаров 1). "Zakhar!" he said. "Yes, sir?" Zakhar responded listlessly (1a).

2. derog [usu. nonagreeing postmodif]

⇒ used to characterize the behavior of a person who, lacking in convictions, principles etc, behaves obsequiously, is prepared to do or say whatever is most personally advantageous under the given circumstances:

- (have <take>) an at-your-service (attitude etc);

- a whatever-you-say-sir (attitude <role etc>);

- [in limited contexts](be) a yes-man <-woman>.

     ♦ Поглядев на удостоверение с печатью Большого дома, Прокофьев стал в позицию "чего изволите?" и уступил - без попыток сопротивления (Эткинд 1). Having seen this document with the stamp of the Big House, Prokofiev took up an "at your service" attitude and gave in without the slightest resistance (1a).