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Meaning of make do and mend | Babel Free

Verb CEFR C2
ˈmeɪk ˈduː ən ˈmɛnd

Definitions

  1. To follow a philosophy, during World War II, of repairing clothes etc that would normally be discarded due to shortages and rationing.
    British
  2. Generally, to repair and reuse.
    British, idiomatic
  3. To make the best of a situation.
    British, idiomatic

Examples

“The 'make⟳ do and mend⟳' campaign was the Board⟳ of Trade's central propaganda effort directed at housewives. It gave advice on preservation, renovation, and repair⟳ of clothing and other household goods.”

CEFR level

C2
Mastery
This word is part of the CEFR C2 vocabulary — mastery level.
See all C2 English words →

See also

make down make due make ends meet make every effort make eyes make faces

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