Do things to somebody
phrase
To perform actions or activities involving or affecting a particular person.
We need to do things to him to make him understand the scope of the project.
Often appears as...
- do good things to somebody
- do bad things to somebody
phrase
To have emotional or psychological effects on someone.
Your harsh words really did things to me. I was completely shaken.
Often appears as...
- do hurtful things to somebody
- do distressing things to somebody
Usage tips
Disapproving
phrase
To arouse or generate physical, sexual or romantic feelings in someone.
Your smile really does things to me. I feel butterflies in my stomach.
Often appears as...
- do wonderful things to somebody
- do sweet things to somebody
Usage tips
Informal, Approving
Colloquial
phrase
To perform actions or activities involving or affecting a particular person.
We need to do things to him to make him understand the scope of the project.
Often appears as...
- do good things to somebody
- do bad things to somebody
phrase
To have emotional or psychological effects on someone.
Your harsh words really did things to me. I was completely shaken.
Often appears as...
- do hurtful things to somebody
- do distressing things to somebody
Usage tips
Disapproving
phrase
To arouse or generate physical, sexual or romantic feelings in someone.
Your smile really does things to me. I feel butterflies in my stomach.
Often appears as...
- do wonderful things to somebody
- do sweet things to somebody
Usage tips
Informal, Approving
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Varied Impact
The phrase can imply different intensities of actions, from trivial to significant.
A simple gesture can do things to him that might change his mind.
Pro Tip 2/3Context Sensitive
Understand the situation to grasp if the actions are positive or negative.
If we don't do things to him now, he might not meet the deadline.
Pro Tip 3/3Active Involvement
Usually implies a deliberate effort to influence or change someone.
Coaches need to do things to players to boost their performance.
Pro Tip 1/3Varied Impact
The phrase can imply different intensities of actions, from trivial to significant.
A simple gesture can do things to him that might change his mind.
Pro Tip 2/3Context Sensitive
Understand the situation to grasp if the actions are positive or negative.
If we don't do things to him now, he might not meet the deadline.
Pro Tip 3/3Active Involvement
Usually implies a deliberate effort to influence or change someone.
Coaches need to do things to players to boost their performance.
Pro Tip 1/3Varied Impact
The phrase can imply different intensities of actions, from trivial to significant.
A simple gesture can do things to him that might change his mind.
Pro Tip 2/3Context Sensitive
Understand the situation to grasp if the actions are positive or negative.
If we don't do things to him now, he might not meet the deadline.
Pro Tip 3/3Active Involvement
Usually implies a deliberate effort to influence or change someone.
Coaches need to do things to players to boost their performance.
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