What Does “Do Away With” Mean? A Deep Dive into the Phrase and Its Usage
When someone says they want to do away with something, they’re expressing a strong desire to eliminate or get rid of it entirely. This idiom is common in everyday conversation, business discussions, and even legal documents. Understanding its meaning, origins, and various contexts can help you use it confidently and correctly in both written and spoken English.
Introduction
The phrase do away with is an idiomatic expression that often appears in headlines, speeches, and casual chats. And while it might seem straightforward, the nuances of this phrase—when to use it, how it differs from similar expressions, and its historical roots—are worth exploring. It carries a sense of decisiveness, implying that the subject will no longer exist or be used. This article will unpack the meaning, provide examples, compare it to related idioms, and offer practical tips for incorporating it into your vocabulary.
The Core Meaning
At its core, do away with means to eliminate, discard, or get rid of something. It suggests a permanent or long‑term removal rather than a temporary change. Consider the following sentence:
"The company plans to do away with manual filing systems and move entirely to cloud storage."
Here, do away with signals a definitive shift away from the old method.
Key Characteristics
- Finality: The action is intended to be permanent.
- Elimination: The target is removed completely, not just modified.
- Intentionality: The speaker makes a conscious decision to discard the item or practice.
Historical Roots
The phrase dates back to the early 17th century. e.Here's the thing — historically, do away with evolved from the idea of “doing something away from it,” i. It combines the verb do with away, a preposition meaning “away” or “off,” and with, a preposition indicating accompaniment or involvement. , removing it from use Simple, but easy to overlook..
- Early Example (1620s): “We must do away with that old rule.”
- Modern Usage: The phrase has retained its original sense but now appears in a broad range of contexts—from politics to personal habits.
Common Contexts and Examples
1. Business and Policy
"The new regulation will do away with the outdated licensing requirements."
2. Technology
"Developers are working to do away with legacy code that slows down the application."
3. Personal Habits
"I’ve decided to do away with junk food and focus on a balanced diet."
4. Legal and Formal Language
"The court ordered the defendant to do away with all illegal weapons."
5. Social Movements
"The organization aims to do away with discrimination in hiring practices."
Comparing “Do Away With” to Similar Phrases
| Phrase | Nuance | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Eliminate | General removal, often neutral | “We need to eliminate waste.In practice, ” |
| Get rid of | Casual, sometimes temporary | “I’m going to get rid of my old phone. ” |
| Phase out | Gradual removal over time | “The company will phase out the product line.” |
| Do away with | Definitive, permanent removal | “They plan to do away with paper receipts. |
This is where a lot of people lose the thread.
Why choose do away with?
- It conveys a decisive, often policy‑driven action.
- It is more formal than get rid of but less technical than eliminate.
Using “Do Away With” Correctly
1. Subject–Verb Agreement
Always match the verb do with the subject:
- We will do away with the old system.
- She has decided to do away with the habit.
2. Avoid Redundancy
Don’t pair do away with with another synonym that implies the same action:
- ❌ We will do away with and eliminate the policy.
- ✅ We will do away with the policy.
3. Contextual Fit
Use the phrase when the action is intentional and permanent. If the removal is temporary or reversible, choose a different expression Less friction, more output..
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can do away with be used for intangible concepts?
A: Yes. You can do away with a belief, a rule, or a habit. Example: “They decided to do away with the notion that hard work guarantees success.”
Q2: Is do away with appropriate in informal speech?
A: Absolutely. While it’s often seen in formal contexts, it’s also common in everyday conversation: “I’m going to do away with my old gym membership.”
Q3: Does do away with always imply a positive change?
A: Not necessarily. It can describe a removal that is neutral or even negative. Take this: “The policy will do away with the safety checks, which many employees worry will increase risk.”
Q4: Can do away with be used in the passive voice?
A: Rarely. The idiom is usually active because it emphasizes the agent’s decision. Passive constructions sound awkward: “The policy was done away with by the board.”
Practical Tips for Writers
- Use it sparingly: Because it carries strong meaning, overuse can dilute its impact.
- Pair with strong verbs: Combine with plan, intend, decide to underscore intent.
- Contextualize the removal: Provide reasoning or consequences to enrich the narrative.
Conclusion
Do away with is a powerful idiom that signals a deliberate, permanent removal of something—whether a practice, object, or idea. Its historical roots and modern versatility make it a staple in both formal and informal English. By grasping its nuances, comparing it with similar expressions, and applying it thoughtfully, you’ll enhance your communication skills and add a precise, impactful phrase to your linguistic toolkit.
