do a number on (someone or something)
(redirected from done a number on one)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!
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.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
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.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
do a number on someone
INFORMALIf someone does a number on you, they harm you in some way, for example by cheating you or by totally defeating you in a game or match. He really did a number on me. I don't think I'll ever be able to trust him again. The Irish team are looking to do a number on England in Dublin tomorrow.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012
do a number on
treat someone badly, typically by deceiving, humiliating, or criticizing them in a calculated and thorough way. North American informalFarlex 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).Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
do a number on someone
and do a job on someone (From do a number on something.) tv. to harm or deceive someone. The prof did a number on me because of my term paper. My local friendly plumber did a job on me cleaning out my drain.
do a number on something
1. tv. to urinate or defecate on something. Billy did a number on the bathroom floor.
2. tv. to damage or ruin something; to destroy something. The truck really did a number on my car.
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
do a number on
Slang To defeat, abuse, or humiliate in a calculated and thorough way.
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.”
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer Copyright © 2013 by Christine Ammer