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do-little

American  
[doo-lit-l] / ˈduˌlɪt l /

noun

  1. a lazy person; one who does little but does not admit to it.


Etymology

Origin of do-little

First recorded in 1580–90; do 1 ( def. ) + little ( def. )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

For many years, postal reform was the poster child of a do-little Congress.

From Washington Post Jan. 21, 2016

When he ran for reëlection, in 2014, the Los Angeles Times editorial board preceded its endorsement of him by calling the position a “notoriously do-little job.”

From The New Yorker Feb. 12, 2015

The dignified, do-little Council of Europe is the unofficial talking box of Europe's elder statesmen and orators.

From Time Magazine Archive

Yet as the do-little conference wound toward an official close last week, delegates from many developing nations considered extending it for some days.

From Time Magazine Archive

Na, na,' quo' I, depend upon't the lard's been imposed upon wi that wily do-little deevil, Johnnie Howie.'

From The Antiquary — Volume 01 by Sir Walter Scott

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