do a number on, to
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 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
- number off
- any number of
- a number of
- a number of (something)
- number of things or people
- digit
- double-deuces
- so many
- so much/many
- round up to (something)