do over
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do over
1. verb To improve one's looks by giving one a makeover. In this usage, the recipient of the makeover is stated between "do" and "over." We really need to do her over—that dated hairstyle makes her look so much older than she really is. After the woman at the make-up counter did Kim over, and I almost didn't recognize her! I want to do my mother over. I think she would have a lot more self-confidence if she had a trendy new look.
2. verb To redecorate something. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "do" and "over." After having the same décor for 20 years, it's time for us to do the living room over. Doing over this room with a fresh coat of paint will really brighten it up. A: "Yikes, if we bought this house, we'd have to do over the bathroom ASAP." B: "What, you're not a fan of the pink tile?"
3. verb To do something again, often in an attempt to improve. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "do" and "over." The teacher told me that I have to do this project over because it's too sloppy. Please do over this report and try to make it more concise. At least your professor is letting you do the paper over, instead of just sticking you with a D-.
4. noun The act of doing something again, often in an attempt to improve. When used as a noun, the phrase is usually hyphenated. Can I have a do-over? That car horn distracted me just as I was swinging. After I totally missed the basket on my first attempt to drive the ball, I meekly asked if I could have a do-over. This game is just for fun, remember? So let your kid sister have a do-over.
See also: over
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
do someone over
and make someone over†to buy a new wardrobe for someone; to redo someone's hairstyle, makeup, etc. Sally's mother did Sally over for the play tryouts. The designer made over Sally completely.
See also: over
do something over
1. make something over† to rebuild, redesign, or redecorate something. We did our living room over for the holidays. We made over the family room because it was looking shabby.
2. do something over (again) to repeat something; to do something again. I am afraid that you are going to have to do over the complete series again. Would you do this one over, please?
See also: over
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
do over
Also, do something over.
1. Also, do over again. Repeat something, as in This setup won't work; I'll have to do it over again.
2. Redecorate, as in We've decided to do over the living room. [Early 1900s]
See also: over
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.