make do

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Thân thiện
Definition
  1. Verb (intransitive):
    • To manage or cope with what is available, especially when it is less than what is desired or needed. It implies using existing resources in a satisfactory way despite limitations or shortages.
Usage
  • The phrase "make do" is always used intransitively. It describes the action of the subject.
  • It is commonly followed by the preposition "with" to specify the limited resource being used.
  • It often carries a connotation of resourcefulness, frugality, or temporary adaptation to a difficult situation.
Examples
  • Verb:
    • We forgot to buy milk, so we'll have to make do with black coffee.
    • The budget was cut, so the team made do with older equipment.
    • She lost her favorite pen but made do with a pencil until she could buy a new one.
Advanced Usage
  • "make do and mend": This is a traditional British idiom, especially associated with World War II austerity, promoting the practice of repairing and reusing items instead of buying new ones. It extends the concept of "make do" to include active repair.
    • My grandmother grew up in an era of make do and mend.
Variants and Related Words
  • Makeshift (adj/n): Something temporary and less satisfactory, used because nothing better is available.
    • They built a makeshift shelter from branches and a tarpaulin.
Synonyms
  • Cope: To deal effectively with something difficult.
  • Get by: To manage to live or survive, especially with limited means.
  • Manage: To succeed in dealing with or controlling a situation.
  • Improvise: To create or do something using whatever is available.
Related Phrasal Verbs / Constructions
  • Make do with (something): The standard construction, specifying the limited resource.
    • Can you make do with just one monitor for now?
Related Idioms
  • Make ends meet: To have just enough money to pay for your basic needs. While related, this idiom focuses specifically on financial survival, whereas "make do" can apply to any resource.
    • They work two jobs just to make ends meet.
Verb
  1. come to terms with
    • We got by on just a gallon of gas
    • They made do on half a loaf of bread every day

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