do any good
do any good
To improve (something) or have any beneficial effect. Often but not always used in the negative. The new tax bill was supposed to foster more hiring power in smaller companies, but it didn't do any good in the end. We won't be able to tell if the medication did any good until your next appointment.
See also: any, good
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
do any good
Improve a situation or effect a favorable result, as in Tell me if this new medicine does any good. [Early 1700s] A negative version, do no good, is slightly older (late 1600s); for example, All his explanations will do no good.
See also: any, good
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
- a silver lining
- any press is good press
- be for a good cause
- be for/in a good cause
- tout (someone or something) as
- tout as
- on the bright side
- on the plus side
- on the something side
- on the upside