- To manage, cope, or succeed in a situation using only the limited or inadequate resources available.
Explanation
Origin
- A straightforward combination: make (cause to be) + do (suffice, serve the purpose).
- It emphasizes resourcefulness and acceptance of limitations. The full phrase is often make do with what you have.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- MacGyver it (Improvise cleverly like the TV character)
- Kludge it / Bodge it (UK/Aus) (Create a clumsy, temporary fix, esp. technical)
- Make shit work (Vulgar, emphasizes determination)
- Scrabble together (Gather available resources hastily)
Milder/Standard:
- Manage with available resources
- Cope with limitations
- Improvise a solution
- Utilize what is on hand
Situational Appropriateness
- Suitable for virtually all contexts, informal and formal.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Generally straightforward. Ensure learners understand it implies managing despite inadequacy, not just using what's normally available.
Examples
- Our funding was cut, so we have to make do with fewer staff.
- We forgot the tent poles, but we made do with some branches and rope.
- There's no cream for the coffee, you'll have to make do with milk.
Dialogue
Chef 1: We're completely out of saffron for the paella!
Chef 2: Seriously? The order didn't arrive?
Chef 1: Nope. What are we going to do? It's a signature dish tonight.
Chef 2: We'll have to make do. Maybe use turmeric for colour and adjust the other seasonings? It won't be the same, but it's our only option.
Chef 1: Okay, let's try it. We'll make do.
Social Media Examples
- DIY Blog Post: Didn't have the right screws, but managed to make do with some wire and ingenuity! #DIYHacks #Resourceful
- Tweet: Power outage means no Wi-Fi. Guess I'll have to make do with reading a book! #OldSchool #MakeDo
- Frugal Living Forum: Learning to make do with pantry staples is key to saving money on groceries. #Budgeting #FrugalLife
Response Patterns
- Resignation/Agreement: Yeah, I guess we have no choice. / Okay, we'll manage.
- Sympathy/Encouragement: That's tough, but you'll figure it out. / Good job making do!
- Offering Alternatives (if possible): Could we perhaps borrow X?
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After someone says they have to make do:
- Ask What are you missing? or What's the challenge?.
- Offer help or resources if possible.
After someone explains how they made do:
- Express admiration for their resourcefulness.
- Ask about the effectiveness of the temporary solution.
Conversation Starter
- No. Describes a response to limitation.
Intonation
- Stress often on both make and do. We'll just have to MAKE DO.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood and used by all generations. Carries a sense of practicality.
Regional Variations
- Common in all major English-speaking regions.