do a number on
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.
See also: number, on
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
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
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
do a number on
treat someone badly, typically by deceiving, humiliating, or criticizing them in a calculated and thorough way. North American informalSee also: number, on
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
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
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.
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.”
See also: number
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
- back at it
- back at it (again)
- chip off
- a lot, not much, etc. in the way of something
- can't stand
- can't stand (someone or something)
- blow up (one's) phone
- be on (one's) back
- be on somebody's back
- be on someone's back