do someone like that
Informal · Filed under D
In a sentence
- I can't believe she did me like that, spreading rumors about me to everyone.
- He really did her like that, leaving her stranded at the airport without any explanation.
- They did the whole team like that, stealing credit for all the hard work we put in.
Where it comes from and how it is used
The idiom "do somebody wrong" is related to the phrase "do someone like that." Although the two phrases are not identical, they share similarities in their use of the verb "do" to indicate an action or behavior towards another person. "Do somebody wrong" specifically conveys the idea of mistreating or harming someone, suggesting that the action being done is negative or harmful. In comparison, "do someone like that" lacks specificity in terms of the exact nature or intention of the action, making it more challenging to precisely define its meaning or implications. However, both idioms highlight the significance of how someone's actions or behavior can affect another individual.
The idiom "do down," on the other hand, differs from "do someone like that" in its use of the word "down" as an adverb indicating a negative or critical action. "Do down" is typically used to describe a situation where someone is being unfairly criticized, belittled, or undermined. In contrast, "do someone like that" does not provide clear insight into whether the action being done is positive or negative, making it difficult to connect the two idioms directly. However, the similarity lies in the fact that both phrases involve negative actions towards someone, whether it is intentionally harmful or unjustly critical. It is essential to consider the differences and similarities between these idioms to fully grasp their distinct meanings and connotations.
Neighbouring idioms
- do somebody wrongPeople & relationships
- do down
- do ill
- do someone's head inEmotions & feelings
- jump down someone's throat
- do someone proudMoney & work
- do the dirty onPeople & relationships
- hurt someone's feelingsEmotions & feelings
Know an earlier use or a better origin story?Tell us.