do well

To be successful or make good progress.

• Her shop is doing well.
• They did well in the competition last year.
• Do you think he will do well at school?

How to use it: do well in something (She did well in her final exams.)

Similar words: succeed, thrive, prosper

Opposites: fail

Common phrases: do well at school, do well in business, do well financially

To carry out an activity in a good or skillful way.

• You did well on that task.
• He sings often, but he doesn't do it well.
• Did we do well in the dance exercise?

How to use it: do well at something (She does well at tasks that need careful attention.)

Similar words: perform well

Opposites: perform poorly

Common phrases: do well at something, do well in practice

If you would do well to do something, it would be a sensible choice.

• You would do well to listen.
• We would do well to learn from their mistakes.
• She would have done well to ask for advice.

How to use it: would do well to do something (You would do well to check the details before signing.)

Common phrases: would do well, do well to listen

To treat someone kindly or give them good support.

• They did well by us.
• The employer has always done well by its retired workers.
• Will the charity do well by the children in its care?

How to use it: do well by someone (The firm did well by her family after the accident.)

Similar words: treat well, support

Opposites: mistreat

Common phrases: do well by someone, do well by employees