do a number on (someone or something)

1. To hurt or harm someone or something. Considering her pessimism toward marriage, her last break-up must have really done a number on her. Ugh, your puppy did a number on my new shoes—they're completely chewed up! I guess I really did a number on my computer because IT couldn't even fix it.

2. To urinate or defecate on something. My cat used to always use her litter box, but she regularly does a number on the floor, unfortunately. Roll up the rugs so the kids don't do a number on them while you're potty training. Looks—and smells—like somebody did a job on his dog bed. Guess I'm cleaning that up!

See also: number, on

do a number on someone or something

Sl. to damage or harm someone or something. The teacher did a number on the whole class by giving them a pop quiz. Tom did a number on Mary when he went out with Ann.

See also: number, on

do a number on

treat someone badly, typically by deceiving, humiliating, or criticizing them in a calculated and thorough way. North American informal

See also: number, on

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

do a ˈnumber on somebody/something

(informal, especially American English) hurt, damage or criticize somebody/something seriously: Sun and pollution can really do a number on your skin. ♢ To the delight of Republicans, the press did a number on your senator (= criticized him severely).

See also: number, on, somebody, something

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

do a number on

Slang

To defeat, abuse, or humiliate in a calculated and thorough way.

See also: number, on

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

do a number on, to

To ruin, cheat, or trick someone. This slangy phrase dates from the late 1960s and originated in black English. For example, “That boss of yours really did a number on you; you’ll never get promoted.”