serve as (something)

serve as (something)

To act in the capacity of a particular role. I served as a legal secretary for a couple of years while I worked on my law degree. I couldn't even afford furniture, so I just had empty boxes and stacks of books acting as my tables and chairs. We'll have a limited release the product and let this region serve as a guinea pig. If it is received well, we can expand production and distribution to the rest of the county.
See also: serve
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

serve as someone or something

to act in the capacity of someone or something. I served as the mayor's assistant for a number of years. This brick will not serve as a doorstop.
See also: serve
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • serve as
  • in the street
  • in the street(s)
  • on the street
  • on the street(s)
  • on the streets
  • corporate welfare bum
  • kip down
  • Good deal!
  • look high and low