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.
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 The actor, who will receive Variety’s Virtuoso Award at the Bentonville Film Festival on June 20, never wanted to do anything else. Jenelle Riley, Variety, 18 June 2025 Sure, there’s a big difference between Betts and Devers, such as Betts being willing to do anything to help his team. Steve Buckley, New York Times, 16 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 4 Jul. 2025.

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