do anything

idiom

1
: to take an action that is considered wrong or suspicious or of particular interest
If he does anything, let me know.
often used in negative statements
"Why is she mad?" "I don't know. I didn't do anything."
2
: to be occupied with something
I need to start dinner, but I can't do anything until you get out of the way.
If you're not doing anything this evening, why not come over for dinner?

Examples of do anything in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Liam, a driver in the fictional Formula International League, has long harbored feelings for Lara, and would do anything to help her — even though the man Lara is running from is his brother. Amy James, People.com, 28 June 2025 By incorporating a character unable to do anything but cry and coo, the show only highlights its disinterest in more nuanced examinations of human behavior, such as greed or egotism. Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 27 June 2025 Jens Otto Krag, the foreign minister and later prime minister, reasoned that Denmark, being powerless to do anything about the American presence, might as well try to get something out of the relationship. Morten Høi Jensen, The Dial, 19 June 2025 On a truly perfect summer evening in Charm City, Báez started off the game with a swinging strikeout on a changeup that was only inches above the ground, far too low to do anything with on his lunging swing. Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for do anything

Cite this Entry

“Do anything.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/do%20anything. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

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