do a number on someone
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
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.
See also: number, on, someone
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
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.
See also: number, on, someone
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
- 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