do a number on

== English == (This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.) === Verb === do a number on (third-person singular simple present does a number on, present participle doing a number on, simple past did a number on, past participle done a number on) (informal, idiomatic) To damage, especially to a significant extent; to treat harshly; to produce ill effects in. Synonym: take its toll ==== Translations ==== === Further reading === “do a number on v.” under “number n.”, in Green’s Dictionary of Slang, Jonathon Green, 2016–present.