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Make Do and Mend

What Does "Make Do and Mend" Mean?

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"Make do and mend" is an English idiom encouraging repairing things rather than buying new ones, popularized during wartime shortages.

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "make do and mend" used in a sentence:
  • Instead of throwing out these clothes, why don't we adopt a make do and mend approach?
  • In those days, we didn't buy new things constantly. We believed in make do and mend.
  • With the economy as it is, many households are returning to the make do and mend mentality.
meaning for make do and mend

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Make Do and Mend" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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