A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do Meaning in English

expression

US

uh MANZ GAH-tuh DOO wut uh MANZ GAH-tuh DOO

UK

uh MANZ GOT-uh DOO wot uh MANZ GOT-uh DOO

Definition

This saying means someone needs to do what is necessary or unavoidable, even if it's difficult or unpleasant.

Usage & Nuances

Typically used informally to express acceptance of a tough or unpleasant obligation. The phrase reflects a resigned attitude toward duty. Modern use applies to anyone (not just men). Often said before undertaking an unpleasant task.

• Spanish: un hombre tiene que hacer lo que tiene que hacer
• Portuguese (BR): um homem tem que fazer o que tem que fazer
• Portuguese (PT): um homem tem de fazer o que tem de fazer
• Chinese (Simplified): 男人必须做他必须做的事情
• Chinese (Traditional): 男人必須做他必須做的事情
• Hindi: एक आदमी को वही करना होता है जो उसे करना होता है
• Arabic: على الرجل أن يفعل ما عليه أن يفعل
• Bengali: যা করার আছে, তাই করতে হবে
• Russian: что должно быть сделано, то должно быть сделано
• Japanese: やるべきことはやらなきゃいけない
• Vietnamese: phải làm những gì cần làm
• Korean: 해야 할 일은 해야 한다
• Turkish: gereken yapılmalı
• Urdu: جو کرنا ہے، وہ کرنا ہی پڑتا ہے
• Indonesian: harus melakukan apa yang harus dilakukan

Example Sentences

A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do when his family needs him.

basic

It's not easy, but a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do.

basic

He knew a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do and didn't complain.

basic

"Sorry, I have to cancel our plans. A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do, you know?"

natural

"Why'd you agree to work overtime again?" — "Hey, a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do."

natural

Sometimes you just sigh and say, "Well, a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do."

natural