# do the needful

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/do-the-needful
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To do what is necessary or required.

## Examples

- Please review the document and do the needful.
- The manager asked the team to check the report and do the needful before the deadline.
- Once the legal department approves the contract, you must do the needful to ensure the payment is processed on time.

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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.