do well

idiom

1
: to be wise or use good judgment : to do what one should do
You would do well to avoid him right now.
You did well to avoid him when he was in a bad mood.
2
: to be lucky
When the tornado hit, they did well to escape uninjured.

Examples of do well 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.
Many companies might do well when times are good and the economy is growing, but Buffett told investors that a crisis always reveals whether businesses are making sound decisions. Josh Funk, Fortune, 31 Dec. 2025 That said, some varieties, such as Echinopsis, Mammillaria, and Parodia, can do well in a heated greenhouse. Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 29 Dec. 2025 Defending European champion Spain is fancied to do well, as is defeated European finalist England. Don Riddell, CNN Money, 5 Dec. 2025 For example, serious efforts have been underway to build capacity of low- and middle-income countries to better implement health programs and increase the level of local financing; but this takes time to do well and avoid corruption. Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for do well

Cite this Entry

“Do well.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/do%20well. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.

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