do what: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘do what’ mean?
"Do what" is an idiom that is used to express surprise, disbelief or confusion. It is often used as a rhetorical question to express astonishment or as a way to request clarification.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "you what" is an informal expression typically used in British English to signify surprise, disbelief, or seeking clarification. It is often used rhetorically to question or challenge a statement or to express astonishment.
The idiom "element of surprise" refers to the unexpected or unforeseen component or factor that creates a stunning or shocking outcome in a situation.
The idiom "do the talking" means to express oneself or convey a message primarily through actions or behavior instead of words.
"Do one's own thing" means to pursue one's own interests or activities without concern for others' opinions or conforming to societal norms.
The idiom "do me a favor" is a way of politely asking someone to help or assist you with something, often implying that the person is doing something for you as a personal favor. It is a common phrase used in everyday conversations.
The idiom "do justice" means to accurately or adequately represent or portray something. It implies that the subject or object should be given the recognition or treatment it deserves and not be underestimated or downplayed.
The idiom "dog my cats" means that someone is surprised or shocked by something. It is often used to express disbelief or astonishment.
The idiom "do exactly what it says on the tin" means to perform or deliver exactly what is expected or promised, without any surprises or deviations. It emphasizes the straightforwardness and reliability of something by implying that its description or instructions are clear and accurate.
Untangling Deeper Meaning
The idiom "do what" is a commonly used phrase in the English language. While it may seem simple and straightforward, it carries a depth of meaning that is worth exploring.
From a linguistic standpoint, the phrase "do what" functions as a command or request. "Do" is a verb, and "what" is an interrogative pronoun. This combination allows for a concise and direct expression of an action desired or expected from the listener.
The idiomatic use of "do what" goes beyond its literal meaning. It can express surprise or disbelief. When someone responds to a statement with "do what," it conveys astonishment or skepticism. It suggests that the information presented is unexpected or difficult to comprehend.
This idiom can also be used in a dismissive manner. When someone says "do what" in response to a question or request, it indicates a lack of interest or willingness to comply. It implies that the matter is not taken seriously or considered important enough to warrant attention or effort.
The origins of the idiom "do what" are not easily traceable, as it belongs to colloquial and informal language. Due to its widespread use in everyday conversation, it is difficult to pinpoint a specific time or place of origin. However, it is plausible that this phrase evolved from basic language structures and patterns that have existed in English for centuries.
One related idiom is "you what." This phrase is often used in response to a surprising or absurd statement. It functions similarly to "do what" in expressing astonishment. For example, if someone says, "I won the lottery," a common response might be "you what?" as a way of expressing disbelief.
Another related idiom is "come on." This phrase can be used to show encouragement or disbelief. When someone says "come on" in a supportive context, they are encouraging someone to continue or not give up. In a skeptical context, "come on" can express doubt or disbelief, similar to the use of "do what."
The versatility and flexibility of the phrase "do what" make it a particularly interesting idiom to examine. Its ability to function as a command, convey surprise, or dismiss a request showcases the range of meanings that idioms can have in the English language.
The idiom "do what" carries multiple meanings and uses. Its linguistic structure as a command, combined with its idiomatic expressions of surprise or dismissal, make it a versatile and intriguing phrase. While the exact origins of this idiom are unclear, it remains a significant aspect of the English language that continues to evolve and adapt in daily communication.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *do what* can be used in a sentence:
- "I don't care what you do." - In this example, the phrase "do what" is used to express indifference towards someone's actions or decisions.
- "Just do what you have to do." - This sentence uses the idiom to convey the idea of completing necessary tasks or responsibilities.
- "If you want to succeed, do what it takes." - Here, the idiom is used to emphasize the importance of doing whatever is necessary to achieve success.
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