How to Pronounce "do by halves"
expression
ˈdu/ /ˈbaɪ/ /ˈhævz
DOO by HAVZ
dʉː/ /bˈaɪ/ /hˈɑːvz
DOO by HAHVZ
Definition
To do something incompletely, without full effort or attention; not finishing or doing something properly.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈdu/ /ˈbaɪ/ /ˈhævz
British English
dʉː/ /bˈaɪ/ /hˈɑːvz
Simplified Pronunciation
US
DOO by HAVZ
UK
DOO by HAHVZ
Listen in Context
You should never do by halves if you want good results.
My mother says not to do by halves when cleaning the house.
If you start a project, don't do by halves.
He never does things by halves—if he commits, he gives it everything.