Do a job on Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To seriously damage or ruin something, sometimes on purpose and sometimes accidentally; also used informally to mean doing something very thoroughly, often in a negative way.
Usage & Nuances
This is an informal, often slangy phrase. Most often means causing major harm or making something much worse, commonly used for accidents, mishandling, or bad criticism. Not used for simply 'doing a job'; be careful with the negative tone. Typical with 'really', as in 'He really did a job on it.'
Example Sentences
He did a job on my phone when he dropped it.
basic
The wind did a job on our garden last night.
basic
You really did a job on that cake—there's nothing left!
basic
That movie review really did a job on the director.
natural
Wow, those kids did a job on the living room while we were gone.
natural
My shoes look terrible—you really did a job on them hiking through the mud.
natural