do for
Britishverb
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(tr) to convict of a crime or offence
they did him for manslaughter
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(intr) to cause the ruin, death, or defeat of
the last punch did for him
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(intr) to do housework for
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to thrive or succeed
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Bring about the death, defeat, or ruin of, as in He swore he'd do for him . This usage is often put in the passive voice (see done for ). [First half of 1700s]
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Care or provide for, take care of, as in They decided to hire a housekeeper to do for Grandmother . This usage today is more common in Britain than in America. [Early 1500s]
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.
"Sometimes the kindest thing you can do for both of you is to accept that this chapter is closed," she says.
From BBC
“Nice to meet you, Ray. I’m Pastor Tuggle. So, what can I do for you two gentlemen?”
From Literature
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“Geri’s my best customer. It’s the least I can do for her kid.”
From Literature
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“I told the social workers you and Boo could stay here for the next week, until we get this sorted out. It’s the least I can do for your grandma Mae.”
From Literature
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Why couldn’t she just do what she’s supposed to do for once?
From Literature
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.