To what do I owe the pleasure?

To what do I owe the pleasure?

A formal set phrase used to inquire into the purpose of someone's visit, whether it is a welcome one or not. Professor Goodwin! Why, I haven't seen you in nearly five years. To what do I owe the pleasure? A: "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Chief Inspector Hugo." B: "Good evening, Inspector, and welcome to our humble shop. To what do we owe the pleasure?"
See also: owe, what
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • To what do I owe the honor?
  • WUU2
  • WYD
  • How are you doing?
  • R U OK?
  • serve (one's) purpose
  • serve a, his, its, etc. purpose
  • cover
  • grab (someone or something) by the throat
  • grab someone by the throat