Idioms

be/get done for something/for doing something

be done for

1. To be in jeopardy or doomed. If the boss finds out that I was the one who messed up that report, I'm done for! Now that Mom knows about it, our scheme is done for. Another quarter of paltry sales numbers means the company is done for, right?
2. To be about to break or stop working, as of a machine. The blender stopped working again this morning, so I really think it's done for. Pop's been working on that engine all day with no progress—it's definitely done for, he just can't admit it. I'd say the washer's done for, based on that terrible clanking sound it's been making!
3. To be certain that one is about to die. Leave me behind—I'm done for! There's no way I can survive this wound. If the enemy storms our fort, we're done for. I'm done for, fellas. Save yourselves!
See also: done, for

get done for (something)

To be apprehended for a crime or other wrongdoing. Primarily heard in UK. I know you want your stuff back, but you'll get done for stealing if someone catches you breaking into his flat! A: "That guy has a record? Really?" B: "Yeah, he got done for some minor crimes as a teenager." I got done for trespassing, even though I swear I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time!
See also: done, for, get
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

be done for

INFORMAL
COMMON If someone or someone is done for, they are certain to fail or suffer a bad experience. As soon as the police find the emails, I'm done for. I knew my diet was done for when they put up a McDonalds right next to the dorm.
See also: done, for
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012

be ˈdone for

(informal) be in serious trouble: The supplies are so low that we will be done for in a few days if help doesn’t come soon.I think the project is done for — the money’s almost gone and we’ve got no results after three years’ hard work.
See also: done, for

be/get ˈdone for something/for doing something

(British English, informal) be caught and punished for doing something illegal but not too serious: I got done for speeding on my way back home.
See also: done, for, get, something
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
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