do a number on

do a number on

English

Verb

do a number on

1. (informal) To damage; to treat harshly; to produce ill effects in.
   • 1974, "Sports: Full-time Franco Busts A Couple, Rushes For 141," Pittsburgh Press, 29 Oct., p. 26 (retrieved 20 Aug. 2010):

     Last night, Harris went the distance and did a number on the Falcons, running for a career-high 141 yards while carrying the ball more often than he ever has.

   • 1988, Chet Currier, "Obstacles remaining in market's path to revival," Reading Eagle (USA), 25 Sept., p. B4 (retrieved 20 Aug. 2010):

     Hopes have faded lately on Wall Street. . . . "This market is really doing a number on both professionals and the public alike," said Sam Weinstein in his investment advisory letter.

   • 2007, Laura Fitzpatrick, "The Newest Addictions on Campus," Time, 12 Aug.:

     All-night caffeine-fueled video game binges do "a number on your body," says Essenburg.

Synonyms

• take its toll