Do time

usgb
verb

To serve a sentence in prison.

He was convicted of theft and had to do time in jail.
Visual representation of "do time" - To serve a sentence in prison

Often appears as...

  • do time in jail
  • do time for theft

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "do time"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Prison Term

Refers strictly to serving jail time, not just being arrested or detained.

Illustration for Prison Term
After the trial, he had to do time for his involvement in the crime.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Legal Consequence

Used when talking about legal punishment, rather than other consequences.

Illustration for Legal Consequence
If found guilty, she might do time for her actions.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Idiom for Jail

'Do time' is an informal way to talk about imprisonment.

Illustration for Idiom for Jail
He didn't expect to do time when he committed the crime.
Visual representation of the word "Do time"

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