A: Mary is not even talking to Ted. What happened? B: Everybody thought they were lovers or very close friends. Then, Ted did a number on Mary when he went out with Kate one weekend. Note: “To do a number on” is a slang term meaning “to damage or harm someone or something.” It can also mean to “treat someone badly or unfairly.” Some people say it originated in boxing. When a combatant is “down,” there is a number countdown. The victor could be said to have done a “number” on his opponent. Others say a song and dance in a musical is called a “number,” and “to do a number” means “to make a scene of the victim,” i.e., “to publicly humiliate another person.” For example: She really did a number on her ex-boyfriend, making him beg her to come back and then turning him down. |