make-do

[ meyk-doo ]

noun

, plural make-dos.

1. something that serves as a substitute, especially of an inferior or expedient nature:

   We had to get along with make-dos during the war.

adjective

1. used as a substitute; makeshift:

   make-do curtains.

Word History and Origins

Origin of make-do¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Idioms and Phrases

Get along with the means available, especially insufficient means. For example, We'll just have to make do with one potato apiece . [c. 1900]

Related Words

• ad-lib
• brainstorm
• concoct
• contrive
• devise
• dream up
• invent
• throw together