to fetch and carry

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

fetch \fetch\, v. i.
   To bring one's self; to make headway; to veer; as, to fetch
   about; to fetch to windward. --Totten.
   [1913 Webster]

   {To fetch away} (Naut.), to break loose; to roll or slide to
      leeward.

   {To fetch and carry}, to serve obsequiously, like a trained
      spaniel.
      [1913 Webster]