make do and mend
Generally, to repair and reuse.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“We have no money, so we must make do and mend.”
“Instead of buying a new chair, we decided to make do and mend the broken leg.”
“During the period of severe economic scarcity, families were encouraged to make do and mend their worn clothing rather than purchasing new items.”
From the title of a booklet issued by the UK Ministry of Information.
- 01
absence makes the heart grow fonder
One feels more love or affection for those one loves when parted from them.
- 02
cannot make it
Cannot reach satisfactory or expected standards or do something competently; describes someone in a hopeless situation.
- 03
doctors make the worst patients
It is difficult to advise people on subjects that they are experts on.
- 04
enough to make a cat laugh
Very outlandish or outrageous.
- 05
enough to make the angels weep
Something so distressing that it causes one to lose hope and faith.
- 06
fine feathers make fine birds
Something that appears beautiful or good is by definition beautiful or good.
- 07
have it made
To have accomplished all there is to do; to have no further work or difficulty.
- 08
hell mend someone
Expressing exasperation at someone whose behavior is likely to result in trouble but who will not heed warnings.
Last updated August 10, 2026