do by halves: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘do by halves’ mean?
The idiom do by halves means to do something halfway or incompletely, without giving it full effort or attention.
Idiom Explorer
An idiom meaning to do something quickly and efficiently, often describing the completion of multiple tasks or actions in a single swift and decisive motion.
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The idiom "hard done by" is a commonly used expression in English to describe someone who has been treated unfairly or has experienced hardship or adversity. It originated in the UK or possibly Australia in the mid-19th century. The exact origin of the idiom, however, remains uncertain.
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The idiom "happy medium" refers to finding a satisfactory compromise between two extremes. It suggests achieving a balance or moderation in a given situation. The phrase dates back to the late 18th century, but its usage remains prevalent in modern English.
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The idiom "do by halves" means to do something incompletely or without putting in one's full effort. It suggests that the individual is only doing part of the task or not giving it their complete attention and dedication. This idiom is often used to express dissatisfaction or disapproval of someone's lack of commitment or thoroughness in performing a task.
The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the early 17th century in England. Back then, the concept of "half" has long been used metaphorically to indicate an incomplete or insufficient amount. This metaphorical understanding of "half" led to the development of the phrase "do by halves," which implies doing only one portion or half of what is expected or required.
The idiom "do by halves" gained popularity over time and has become a common expression in the English language. It is often used in various contexts, such as work, relationships, or personal endeavors, to criticize someone's lack of thoroughness or commitment. For example, if someone half-heartedly completes a project, they may be described as "doing it by halves."
When using the "do by halves" idiom, it is crucial to consider the tone and intention behind its usage. While it may be seen as a way to criticize someone's lack of effort, it can also be used humorously or in a lighthearted manner. However, regardless of the context, the idiom always conveys the idea that the individual did not put in their full effort or commitment.
It is worth noting that idioms, including "do by halves," are deeply ingrained in language and culture, and their meanings can sometimes evolve or adapt over time. However, this particular idiom has retained its original meaning and continues to be used in various contexts.
The idiom "go halves" is closely related to "do by halves." It means to equally share the cost, responsibility, or outcome of something with another person. This idiomatic expression suggests a fair and equal division of a resource, task, or situation between two or more individuals.
While "do by halves" focuses on doing something incompletely, "go halves" highlights the idea of sharing and dividing. Both idioms convey the idea of not doing something fully on one's own.
For example, if two friends decide to split the bill at a restaurant, they can be said to "go halves" on the cost. This means that they will divide the total amount equally, with each person paying half. Similarly, in a joint business venture, partners who share the profits and liabilities equally can be described as "going halves" in the endeavor.
The idiom "go halves" can also be used metaphorically to describe the sharing of responsibilities or outcomes in non-financial contexts. For instance, if two colleagues work together on a project and divide the workload equally, they can be said to "go halves" on the task.
Overall, while "do by halves" emphasizes incompleteness or lack of effort, "go halves" focuses on the concept of sharing and dividing equally. Both idioms contribute to the richness and depth of the English language, offering different ways to express ideas related to commitment, fairness, and cooperation.
The idiom "go halves" is closely related to "do by halves." It means to equally share the cost, responsibility, or outcome of something with another person. While "do by halves" emphasizes incompleteness or lack of effort, "go halves" focuses on the concept of sharing and dividing equally. Both idioms contribute to the richness and depth of the English language, offering different ways to express ideas related to commitment, fairness, and cooperation.
Another closely related idiom to "do by halves" is "by halves." This idiom means to do or experience something in a way that is only partly or halfway. It indicates a lack of full commitment or involvement in a particular activity or situation.
While "do by halves" specifically refers to the act of doing something incompletely or without putting in one's full effort, "by halves" has a broader application. It can be used to describe different aspects of life, such as relationships, work, or personal goals.
To illustrate, imagine someone who is passionate about playing the guitar but only practices occasionally and never devotes enough time to truly improve their skills. In this case, it can be said that they are "playing the guitar by halves" because they are only doing it partially or halfway.
In a similar vein, if someone is in a romantic relationship but does not invest emotionally or make an effort to nurture the partnership, they may be accused of "loving by halves." This means that they are not loving fully or completely, but only showing a partial or halfway level of commitment.
The idiom "by halves" highlights the idea of doing or experiencing something incompletely or partially. It can be used in various contexts to criticize someone's lack of commitment or involvement in a particular activity, situation, or relationship.
The idiom "do by halves" means to do something incompletely or without putting in one's full effort. It originated from the metaphorical understanding of "half" as denoting an incomplete or insufficient amount. This idiom is widely used in the English language to express dissatisfaction with someone's lack of thoroughness or commitment in performing a task.
Additionally, two related idioms, "go halves" and "by halves," provide further ways to express ideas related to sharing, fairness, and partial involvement. "Go halves" focuses on equally dividing the cost, responsibility, or outcome of something with another person, while "by halves" emphasizes doing or experiencing something partially or incompletely.
These idioms, including "do by halves," contribute to the richness and flexibility of the English language, allowing speakers to convey nuanced meanings and ideas in a concise and expressive manner.
Example usage
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The idiom "do by halves" means to do something partially or incompletely, rather than giving it full effort or attention. It implies that the person is not fully committed to the task and is only putting in minimal effort.
Here are three examples of how the idiom "do by halves" can be used in sentences:
- She never succeeds in her projects because she always does things by halves.
- John decided to quit his job because he couldn't stand working with colleagues who constantly did things by halves.
- Don't approach this task by halves; give it your full dedication and you will achieve great results.
The first example emphasizes that the person mentioned consistently fails in their projects due to their habit of doing things incompletely. The second example highlights how John's dislike for working with colleagues who put in minimal effort led to his decision to quit his job. The third example is a piece of advice urging someone not to approach a task partially, but to give it their complete dedication for optimal outcomes.
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