Expressions with “do” are common in everyday English. They add variety and depth to our conversations. Here are 20 interesting idioms and phrasal verbs with “do,” complete with short meanings and example sentences.
1. Do away with
Meaning: Eliminate something.
Example: They want to do away with the old law.
2. Do up
Meaning: Fasten or secure.
Example: Please do up your coat; it’s cold outside.
3. Do over
Meaning: Repeat something.
Example: I need to do over my homework assignment.
4. Do in
Meaning: Exhaust or kill.
Example: The long hike really did me in.
5. Do out of
Meaning: Deprive of something.
Example: He was done out of his inheritance.
6. Do without
Meaning: Manage without something.
Example: We can do without your negative comments.
7. Do with
Meaning: Need or want something.
Example: I could do with a cup of tea.
8. Do someone a good turn
Meaning: Help someone.
Example: She did me a good turn yesterday.
9. Do one’s best
Meaning: Try very hard.
Example: I will do my best to succeed.
10. Do a number on
Meaning: Hurt or damage.
Example: He really did a number on my car.
11. Do one’s bit
Meaning: Make a contribution.
Example: Everyone should do their bit for the environment.
12. Do justice to
Meaning: Represent accurately.
Example: The painting does justice to her beauty.
13. Do well by
Meaning: Treat well.
Example: He has always done well by his employees.
14. Do the dirty work
Meaning: Handle unpleasant tasks.
Example: I always end up doing the dirty work.
15. Do time
Meaning: Serve a prison sentence.
Example: He had to do time for his crimes.
16. Do the trick
Meaning: Achieve the desired result.
Example: A bit of rest will do the trick.
17. Do a double take
Meaning: Look again in surprise.
Example: I did a double take when I saw her.
18. Do battle
Meaning: Fight or argue.
Example: They did battle over the inheritance.
19. Do wonders
Meaning: Have a very good effect.
Example: The new policy has done wonders for sales.
20. Do one’s own thing
Meaning: Act independently.
Example: She prefers to do her own thing at work.
