Understanding the Idiomatic Meaning of 'Do Away With'

The English language is replete with idiomatic expressions that add color and nuance to our communication. One such phrase is “do away with,” a versatile phrasal verb that can be used in multiple contexts to convey a message of removal, eradication, or even termination. In this article, we will explore the meaning, usage, and examples of 'do away with,' and delve into its historical roots and variations.

What is a Phrasal Verb?

A phrasal verb is a combination of a verb and one or more prepositions or adverbs that together have a meaning that is different from the sum of its parts. One of the most common types is the separable phrasal verb, where the object can be placed between the verb and the particle or after it, without changing the meaning.

The Meaning of 'Do Away With'

According to Oxford Languages, the phrasal verb “to do away with” has two primary meanings:

Informal meaning: to remove or put an end to something. Figurative meaning: to kill someone.

The phrase can be used in both literal and figurative contexts, making it a versatile tool in English communication.

Examples of Usage

Here are a few examples to illustrate how the phrase “do away with” is used in different contexts:

Removal of a Law or Custom: Many U.S universities have decided to do away with the need for students to submit SAT scores at least for the duration of the pandemic.

Reduction of a Practice: We are going to do away with Saturday cleanups now that the weather is bad.

Termination of a Product: The newspaper decided to do away with the evening edition because of poor sales.

Eradication of a Problem: She didn’t have the heart to do away with the rabbits that were invading her garden.

Figurative Usage: Murder: John should never have borrowed money from the loan sharks now they know he can’t pay they are planning to have him done away with.

Historical Context

The phrase “to do away with” originated in the late 15th century. It first appeared in the sense of putting an end to something, which has been its primary meaning ever since. However, it evolved to include the more dramatic sense of killing someone, primarily in the context of organized crime and law enforcement in the 20th century.

Variations and Connotations

The phrase can carry different connotations depending on the context and the specific verb used in combination. For instance:

Do Away With Racism: This usage highlights the phrase's role in efforts to eliminate discriminatory practices and ideologies.

Do Away With the President: In a figurative sense, it can imply the removal of a leader through political means.

Usage in Sentences

Let's look at a few more sentences to demonstrate the usage of 'do away with' in different scenarios:

I have gone off Bloggs ice cream since they did away with my favourite flavour.

We are going to do away with the Tuesday meeting and only meet once a week on Fridays.

From next week we are going to do away with the old system and implement a new one.

Each of these examples illustrates how the phrasal verb can be used to convey a sense of change, termination, or eradication.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the phrase “do away with” is a powerful and versatile phrasal verb that can be used in various contexts to express the idea of removal, termination, or even elimination. Whether you are discussing the end of a long-standing custom, the eradication of a problem, or the murder of an individual, the phrase remains an essential part of the English language for conveying a clear and impactful message.