deliver

To show initiative in undertaking important or requisite tasks in the face of difficulties and/or without requiring specific instructions on how to do so. It refers to the essay "Message to Garcia," published in 1899 by Elbert Hubbard, in which a lieutenant named Andrew Rowan undertakes establishing communication with Cuban rebel leader Calixto García to create an alliance in case of war with Spain. One should always aspire to be the type of employee who will deliver the message to Garcia, for it says more about you than merely doing what you're told.

to save or rescue someone from someone or something. The hero delivered the children from a fiery death. Thank you for delivering me from a very boring meeting by calling me to the telephone.

to free someone from some burden or problem; to liberate someone from some confinement. He was looking for someone to deliver him of his burdensome responsibility. He was delivered of his burden.

to transfer someone or something to someone or something; to yield over someone or something to someone or something. When will you deliver the deed to me? I will deliver the deed to you when I have your check.

to render or yield something to someone. Will you please deliver the documents up to Jane? Will you please deliver up the documents to Jane?

Fig. formally and officially signed; [for a formal document to be] executed. Here is the deed to the property—signed, sealed, and delivered. I can't begin work on this project until I have the contract signed, sealed, and delivered.

to give up something to someone who demands it. (Originally used by highway robbers asking for passengers' valuables.) And when the tax agent says "Stand and deliver" you have to be prepared to pay what is demanded. The robber stopped the coach and demanded of Lady Ellen, "Stand and deliver!"

to do what someone hopes you will do She hired a songwriter who has written several hit tunes and he delivered the goods for her.

if someone or something delivers the goods, they do what people hope they will do So far the team's new player has failed to deliver the goods. He hasn't scored in his first five games.

if a document or an agreement is signed, sealed and delivered, it has been officially signed and completed A copy of the will, signed, sealed and delivered, arrived at our house the next morning. There was a signed and sealed statement from the prime minister to confirm the treaty had been accepted.

Do what is required, come up to expectations. For example, Kate delivered the goods and got us the five votes we needed. This phrase alludes to delivering an order of groceries or other items. [Colloquial; second half of 1800s]

Completed satisfactorily, as in The house is sold-signed, sealed, and delivered. This idiom refers to a legal deed, which to be valid had to be signed by the seller, sealed with a wax seal, and delivered to the new owner. It began to be used more loosely in the first half of the 1900s.

To pronounce; utter: Before leaving I delivered myself of a few choice comments.