guest

Related to guest: house guest, Be My Guest

be my guest

A set phrase encouraging or allowing someone else to take action. A: "Do you mind if I order another glass of wine?" B: "Not at all—be my guest."
See also: guest

guest of honor

The main person being acknowledged at a particular function or event. It's your birthday, so you're the guest of honor! Let's put the guest of honor at the head of the table.
See also: guest, honor, of
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

Be my guest.

Help yourself.; After you. (A polite way of indicating that someone else should go first, help himself or herself to something, or take the last one of something.) Mary: I would just love to have some more cake, but there is only one piece left. Sally: Be my guest. Mary: Wow! Thanks! Jane: Here's the door. Who should go in first? Bill: Be my guest. I'll wait out here. Jane: You're so polite!
See also: guest

guest of honor

a guest who gets special attention from everyone; the person for whom a party, celebration, or ceremony is given. Bob is the guest of honor, and many people will make speeches about him. The guest of honor sits at the front of the room on the dais.
See also: guest, honor, of
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

be my guest

Do as you wish. For example, May I drive your car?-Sure, be my guest, or Do you mind if I go to the play without you?-No, be my guest. This expression not only literally invites someone to behave as one's guest (using one's house, belongings, etc.) but also figuratively tells someone to feel free to act as he or she pleases. [Colloquial; c. 1950] Also see feel free.
See also: guest
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

be my guest

1. You say be my guest to someone to politely give them permission to do something. `Do you mind if I use the phone?' — `Be my guest.'
2. You say be my guest to someone to say that you are happy to let them do something unpleasant or difficult instead of you. If you want to tell her the bad news, Maria, be my guest.
See also: guest
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

be my guest

please do. informal
1988 Jay McInerney The Story of My Life I'll hurt myself, Mannie screams. Be my guest, says Rebecca.
See also: guest
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

be my ˈguest

(informal) used to give somebody permission to do something that they have asked to do: ‘May I look at this book?’ ‘Be my guest.’
See also: guest
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

be my guest

Go ahead, do or take what you asked for. This casual expression, current since about 1950, generally is a response to a request for something trivial, as in “May I see your program?—Be my guest.” Eric Partridge reported that the phrase was so common by 1972 that it was used for the name of a racehorse that won quite a few races.
See also: guest
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
See also:
  • great minds
  • great minds think alike
  • be twiddling (one's) thumbs
  • be twiddling your thumbs
  • lex dubia non obligat
  • not tonight, Josephine
  • sure as eggs is eggs
  • (as) sure as eggs (is eggs)
  • a penny for them
References in classic literature
'He goes often to the Warren, does he not?' said the guest carelessly.
'So I have heard,' returned the guest, taking a gold toothpick from his pocket with the same sweet smile.
Barnaby Rudge A Tale Of The Riots Of Eighty
How that name froze the hearts of the assembled guests.
The guests were craning their necks to follow every detail of the fascinating drama that was being enacted before them.
The Outlaw of Torn
The guests arose; the two women inclined their heads; the guards fell back upon either side of the entrance-way; a number of nobles advanced to pay their respects; the laughing and the talking were resumed and Dejah Thoris and her daughter moved simply and naturally among their guests, no suggestion of differing rank apparent in the bearing of any who were there, though there was more than a single Jeddak and many common warriors whose only title lay in brave deeds, or noble patriotism.
Tara of Helium let her slow gaze wander among the throng of guests until presently it halted upon one she sought.
The Chessmen of Mars
The king was delighted at this, and exclaimed to the Phaeacians, "Aldermen and town councillors, our guest seems to be a person of singular judgement; let us give him such proof of our hospitality as he may reasonably expect.
Also, set a copper on the fire and heat some water; our guest will take a warm bath; see also to the careful packing of the presents that the noble Phaeacians have made him; he will thus better enjoy both his supper and the singing that will follow.
Odyssey
Hepzibah had now poured out a cup of deliciously fragrant coffee, and presented it to her guest. As his eyes met hers, he seemed bewildered and disquieted.
The guest responded to her tone by a smile, which did not half light up his face.
House Of Seven Gables
At different periods of the evening the liveried servants of the Province House passed among the guests, bearing huge trays of refreshments and French and Spanish wines.
From Twice Told Tales
Cedric and Athelstane were both dressed in the ancient Saxon garb, which, although not unhandsome in itself, and in the present instance composed of costly materials, was so remote in shape and appearance from that of the other guests, that Prince John took great credit to himself with Waldemar Fitzurse for refraining from laughter at a sight which the fashion of the day rendered ridiculous.
Ivanhoe
The count, by his guests, went into the drawing room.
War and Peace
"I disapprove so strongly of unequal marriages," she said, walking on slowly towards the cottage, "that I cannot, in common consistency, become one of your guests. I shall always feel interested in Isabel Miller's welfare; and I can honestly say I shall be glad if your married life proves that my old-fashioned prejudices are without justification in your case.
My Ladys Money
The bridegroom arrived and also a large company of guests, for the miller had taken care to invite all his friends and relations.
Fairy Tales