# do a number on

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/do-a-number-on
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To damage, especially to a significant extent; to treat harshly; to produce ill effects in.

## Examples

- The long winter really did a number on my garden.
- That intense workout yesterday really did a number on my legs, so I can barely walk today.
- The sudden economic crisis did a number on the small business, forcing the owners to close their doors after decades of operation.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.