do without

verb

1. to forgo; manage without

   I can't do without cigarettes

2. not to require (uncalled-for comments or advice)

   we can do without your criticisms thank you

Idioms and Phrases

Manage in spite of being without something. For example, They will just have to do without a vacation this year , or There was no telephone in the cabin, but we soon learned to do without . [Early 1700s]

Example Sentences

I think I could do without it, but it would take quite a while to be prepared.

From Los Angeles Times

And someone who could address sensitive issues of race and diversity in ways that might be difficult for the white older members in the San Gorgonio chapter to do without drawing fire.

From Los Angeles Times

So Villa could probably do without this game - but I still think they will extend their 10-game unbeaten run, and maybe this is when they show us they do have the required strength in depth.

From BBC

I don’t know what I would do without Trader Joe’s.

From Los Angeles Times

The bits they have to do without the ball are the foundation for what they do when they get it and, unless they improve out of possession, then they won’t get that right either.

From BBC

Related Words

• endure
• forgo