Verb
To survive, get by (with), or use whatever is available (due to lack of resources).
Usage- idiomatic
- Informal
- Intransitive
- Examples
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There is barely enough money, so we will have to make do with what we have.
More examples (1)
Pep Guardiola’s team will have to make do with the Premier League title whereas Liverpool will go into Friday’s draw because over the two legs they were more clinical during their spells of superiority.
To put into action.
Usage- Informal
- Transitive
- Examples
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Make the movie do! (Put on the movie!)
Brandon’s makin’ the grill do so we can get to eatin’.
To use for one's purpose something worn, defective, or intended for another purpose.
Usage- Informal
- Transitive
- Examples
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More examples (1)
A poor screw-driver is one of the most exasperating of poor tools, and a trial to one's patience and temper; besides, it is of little use attempting to "make it do," for it seldom will do.
It is not the same hide but we make it do. You work harder to make it into good leather and harder to make it into good shoes, and we get by.
More examples (1)
She had dozens of ways to make something ‘do’ for another week or month. Skillful with a needle, she could darn and re- darn our socks without making the heel or toe uncomfortably thick
Verb
succeed in doing, achieving, or producing (something) with the limited or inadequate means available
- Examples
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We got by on just a gallon of gas
They made do on half a loaf of bread every day