do a number on

present singular third person does a number on · participle present doing a number on · past did a number on · participle past done a number on

1. idiomaticinformalTo damage, especially to a significant extent; to treat harshly; to produce ill effects in.

   Years of smoking did a number on her lungs.

   5 more examples

   Your harsh words could do a number on my mental health.

   He's a mean boss who really does a number on his employees.

   Last night, Harris went the distance and did a number on the Falcons, running for a career-high 141 yards while carrying the ball more often than he ever has.

   1974 October 29, “Sports: Full-time Franco Busts A Couple, Rushes For 141”, in Pittsburgh Press, retrieved 20 Aug 2010, page 26

   Hopes have faded lately on Wall Street. . . . "This market is really doing a number on both professionals and the public alike," said Sam Weinstein in his investment advisory letter.

   1988 September 25, Chet Currier, “Obstacles remaining in market's path to revival”, in Reading Eagle, USA, retrieved 20 Aug 2010, page B4

   All-night caffeine-fueled video game binges do "a number on your body," says Essenburg.

   2007 August 12, Laura Fitzpatrick, “The Newest Addictions on Campus”, in Time

   Synonyms: take its toll