do-over

[doo-oh-ver]

noun

1. an opportunity to do something again or repeat it, especially when it did not turn out well the first time.

   I wish I could have a do-over of the past five years of my life.

2. a makeover, as a renovation or a beauty treatment: A do-over at the spa made me feel young again!

   Enter the sweepstakes to win a full kitchen do-over with new granite countertops and stainless steel appliances.

   A do-over at the spa made me feel young again!

do over

verb

1. informal,  to renovate or redecorate

2. slang,  to beat up; thrash

Word History and Origins

Origin of do-over¹

First recorded in 1890–95; noun use of verb phrase do over

Idioms and Phrases

Also, do something over.

Also, do over again . Repeat something, as in This setup won't work; I'll have to do it over again .

Redecorate, as in We've decided to do over the living room . [Early 1900s]

Example Sentences

Crowe’s do-over feature, in contrast, is anodyne and respectful; the band is even given room to refute some of the facts Lewis included in his story.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

You must pay back any money you received, but the option for a do-over gives you a chance to increase your monthly benefit by waiting to claim.

Read more on MarketWatch

“For years after he and Diane split, Al used to say, ‘If it’s meant to be, it’s never too late for a do-over.

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How a do-over would have been impossible for him with everyone around him still using.

Read more on Salon

“And Just Like That...” purports to celebrate the mid-life do-over, just as it purports to show that women in their 50s are just as vibrant, complicated and fun as women in their 30s.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• alter 
• amend 
• cure 
• improve 
• mend 
• rectify 
• redress 
• regulate 
• remediate 
• remedy 
• repair 
• review 
• revise 
• straighten out 
• upgrade