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do over

B1 informal separable both
In simple words

To repeat something from the beginning because it wasn't good enough.

Literal meaning: To perform an action again, going back over it.

Meanings

1 A2 informal

To repeat a task or action, typically because the first attempt was unsatisfactory. (American English)

"The teacher told him the essay was too short and he'd have to do it over."

"If I could do it over again, I'd do it the same way."

— Richard Nixon, farewell remarks to White House staff, 1974
Grammar: separable
2 B1 idiomatic informal

To redecorate or renovate a room or building. (British and American English)

"They completely did over the kitchen before putting the house on the market."

Grammar: separable
3 B2 idiomatic slang

To beat someone up physically, or to ransack a place. (British slang)

"He said two men had done him over and stolen his wallet."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Sense 1 (repeat a task) is primarily American English. Sense 2 (beat up/ransack) is British slang. Do not confuse these two senses across varieties of English.

Commonly used with

homework test room interview project contract

Forms

Base
do over
I/you/we/they
3rd person
does over
he/she/it
Past simple
did over
yesterday
Past participle
done over
have + pp
-ing form
doing over
continuous

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