To do something again, usually because it was done wrong the first time.
To repeat something from the beginning because it wasn't good enough.
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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
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."
To beat someone up physically, or to ransack a place. (British slang)
"He said two men had done him over and stolen his wallet."
To perform an action again, going back over it.
To repeat something from the beginning because it wasn't good enough.
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.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "do over" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.