If you are learning English, you might have come across the phrase “do away with” and wondered what it means. The phrase is a common idiom in English and has several meanings that depend on the context in which it is used.
In this blog post, we will explore the different meanings of “do away with,” provide examples of usage, offer synonyms, and more.
Examples of Usage
The phrase “do away with” can be used in different contexts, including:
1. To abolish or eliminate something
This meaning suggests that you want to get rid of something. For instance, you can use the phrase in sentences like:
- We should do away with these outdated laws.
- I wish we could do away with these bad habits.
2. To kill someone or something
Although this usage is not common, it is an alternative interpretation of the phrase. It implies that you want to put an end to someone’s life or destroy something. Some examples include:
- He threatened to do away with his rival.
- The company decided to do away with the old building.
3. To manage without something or someone
This meaning suggests that you do not need or require something or someone. For example:
- I can do away with this old computer and get a new one.
- She decided to do away with the services of her assistant.
10 Examples of “Do Away With”
To give you a better understanding, here are ten examples of the phrase “do away with” used in different contexts:
- The government plans to do away with all nuclear weapons.
- The school decided to do away with the traditional grading system.
- She wanted to do away with all of her old clothes and start afresh.
- The company’s new policy is to do away with non-recyclable materials.
- The team decided to do away with their old jerseys and get new ones.
- He threatened to do away with his pet snake because it was too aggressive.
- The teacher suggested that we do away with the final exam.
- She finally decided to do away with her toxic relationships.
- The restaurant plans to do away with some of the unpopular dishes on their menu.
- The city council voted to do away with the parking meters downtown.
“Do Away With” Synonym
If you are looking for a synonym for “do away with,” consider using any of the following:
- Abolish
- Eliminate
- Eradicate
- Extinguish
- Get rid of
- Remove
- Terminate
- Wipe out
All the above words share the same meaning with “do away with.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, the phrase “do away with” has different meanings when used in different contexts. It can mean to abolish or eliminate something, kill someone or something, or manage without something or someone. The phrase is also an idiom that can be replaced with words such as “abolish,” “eliminate,” or “get rid of.”
As with most idioms, context is essential when using “do away with.” Always ensure that you use the phrase correctly to avoid confusion or misinterpretation.