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.
Applaud and be all the more eager for what else AI can do for us.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026
He does not know what he will do for childcare, he said with a sigh.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026
But it turns out that’s exactly what change can do for retail shareholders.
From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026
Sitting in unease and acclimating to its extreme temperature — refusing to fight our very nature — is one of the most impactful things we can do for our bodies and minds.
From Salon • Apr. 9, 2026
“What do you and your best friend do for fun?”
From "The Manifestor Prophecy" by Angie Thomas
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.
