do-over
Americannoun
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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.
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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!
verb
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informal to renovate or redecorate
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slang to beat up; thrash
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Also, do something over.
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Also, do over again . Repeat something, as in This setup won't work; I'll have to do it over again .
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Redecorate, as in We've decided to do over the living room . [Early 1900s]
Etymology
Origin of do-over
First recorded in 1890–95; noun use of verb phrase do over
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.
Patriots prodigy Drake Maye was left longing for a do-over after his first Super Bowl appearance ended in misery on Sunday.
From Barron's • Feb. 9, 2026
The world’s second-largest economy offered Sam’s Club a chance for a do-over.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 29, 2025
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.
From MarketWatch • Oct. 21, 2025
It’s rare that anyone gets a do-over so soon after an objective mistake.
From Salon • Apr. 29, 2025
It’s been almost a week since I cut short our FaceTime, and we still haven’t found time for a do-over.
From "What If It's Us" by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera
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.
