How to Pronounce "do a number on"
expression
ˈdu/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈnəmbɝ/ /ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn
DOO-uh NUM-ber-ahn
dʉː/ /æɪ/ /ˈnʌmbə/ /ˈɒn
DOO-uh NUM-buh-on
Definition
To damage, harm, or negatively affect someone or something, often in an obvious or significant way. Used informally.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈdu/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈnəmbɝ/ /ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn
British English
dʉː/ /æɪ/ /ˈnʌmbə/ /ˈɒn
Simplified Pronunciation
US
DOO-uh NUM-ber-ahn
UK
DOO-uh NUM-buh-on
Listen in Context
The cat really did a number on the couch.
That flu did a number on me.
The storm did a number on the neighborhood.
She really did a number on my confidence.