The Village Idiom

do away with

The idiom "do away with" means to eliminate or get rid of something completely. It is often used to talk about getting rid of something that is considered unnecessary or undesirable.

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In a sentence

  • The company decided to do away with its old manual filing system and transition to a digital database.
  • Some countries are considering doing away with traditional passports and implementing biometric identification systems.
  • The school board voted to do away with the outdated curriculum and introduce a more modern and comprehensive one.

Where it comes from and how it is used

The idiom "do away with" is a widely used expression in the English language. It means to eliminate or get rid of something or someone. This straightforward idiom is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.

The origin and etymology of "do away with" cannot be traced back to a specific source or period, but it is part of the broader idiom "to do away." This idiom has been used since at least the early 19th century and has evolved over time.

The construction of "do away with" follows a simple verb-object pattern. The verb "do" is combined with the preposition "away" to create the idiomatic expression. Similar to other idioms in English, "do away with" uses the verb "do" with different prepositions for idiomatic meanings.

"Do away with" is often used when there is a need or desire to eliminate or remove something. It can refer to physical objects, like getting rid of clutter or disposing of unwanted items. It can also refer to abstract ideas or practices that are no longer considered necessary or beneficial. Additionally, this idiom can express the act of doing away with undesirable or unwanted individuals.

It's important to note that "do away with" is not meant to be taken literally. It does not endorse or advocate for physical harm. Instead, it is a figurative expression that conveys the idea of removal or elimination.

The third related idiom to "do away with" is "cross off." While "do away with" means to eliminate or get rid of, "cross off" specifically refers to marking or removing something from a list or schedule. It often implies completing a task or no longer considering something as relevant or necessary. For example, if you finish a task on your to-do list, you can cross it off to indicate its completion.

The idiom "do away with" continues to be a relevant and widely understood expression in contemporary English. It is a versatile idiom that can be used in various contexts to convey the idea of elimination or removal. By following AP style and the rules for editing articles, it is possible to enhance the clarity, coherence, and effectiveness of articles that discuss idioms like "do away with."

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