make do

To manage with what you have because you cannot get everything you need or want.

• We can make do with less.
• They made do without a car for years.
• Can you make do with what is in the fridge?

How to use it: make do with something (We will have to make do with the food we have.); make do without something (They made do without electricity for two days.)

Similar words: get by, manage, cope

Common phrases: make do somehow, make do temporarily

To use something old, damaged, or meant for another job because a better thing is unavailable.

• We made an old box do as a chair.
• She made do with a cracked cup.
• Could you make that worn blanket do for tonight?

How to use it: make something do as something (We made an old crate do as a table.); make do with something (She made do with a bent spoon instead of a proper tool.)

Similar words: improvise, use as a substitute

Common phrases: make something do, make it do

To cause something to start working or being used.

• Turn the switch to make it do.
• He made the old projector do at last.
• Can you make this machine do again?

How to use it: make something do (Turn the handle to make the machine do.)

Similar words: activate, start, set in motion

Opposites: stop

Common phrases: make something do, make it do