100+ Collocations in English - Complete List: Make & Do

We have an abundance of collocations with  ‘make’ and ‘do’ that really do enable us to  

be able to express exactly what we mean.  This is a big listicle style video. So,  

download your worksheet, get your  pen to hand. And let's do this.

Make a long story short. This means  to summarize an incident or event.  

You don't want to tell the long story.  So, you're just going to cut to the most  

important details. You will also  hear ‘To cut a long story short’.

I met Sam five years ago at a jazz concert. And to  make a long story short, we got married last year.

Make a mistake. This means to do  something wrong or incorrectly.  

We're all guilty of making mistakes, aren't we?

Oh dear. I made a mistake in the test  and I got a lower grade than I expected.

Make a plan. This means to create a strategy  or a blueprint for achieving your goal.

Hey, let's make a plan for how we're  going to finish this project on time.

Make a difference. This means to have  a significant impact or effect. Like,

I would hope my lessons make a big difference  to your English learning experience. 

Your support can make a difference  in the lives of those in need.

Make a suggestion. This is to offer  an idea or proposal for consideration.  

I'm often asking my students to make  suggestions for future video topics.

Excuse me, can I make a suggestion  for improving this process?

Make an effort. 

This means to exert oneself, to  try hard to accomplish something.

We often need to make an effort  to get what we want in life. 

Sorry, I'll make an effort to be on  time for our next meeting, I promise.

Make an appointment. This is to  schedule a time to meet with someone.

Oh, that reminds me I need to make  an appointment to see my doctor. 

Oh, hello. Yes, I'd like to make an  appointment to the doctor, please.

Make an impression. This means to create  a memorable or lasting effect on someone.

You really make an impression on them. 

Her confident demeanour made a strong  impression on the interviewers.

Make an exception. This means to allow or accept  something that is usually not allowed or accepted.

We don't normally allow pets, but we can  make an exception for your well-behaved dog.

Make an observation. This means  to notice or comment on something.

Oh, I couldn't help but make an observation  that the building looked abandoned.

Make an offer. This means to propose or suggest  something that is available for acceptance.

I'll make you an offer you can't refuse

Make ends meet. This means to earn  enough money to cover expenses,  

to manage financially with limited resources.

It's difficult to make ends meet  with only a minimum wage job.

Make a deal. This means to negotiate  or reach an agreement with someone.

We made a deal to split the profits 50x50.

Make a commitment. This is to promise to do  something, to take responsibility for something.

I'm willing to make a commitment to  this project if everyone else is.

Make a promise. This is to pledge  to do something or keep one's word.

I promise to be there for  you, no matter what happens.

Make a phone call. This is to use the  phone to communicate with someone.

Sorry, I need to make a phone  call to confirm our reservation.

Make a reservation. This is to reserve a spot  or place in advance like at a restaurant.

Let's make a reservation at that  new restaurant for Friday night.

Make an appearance. This is to go to or be  present at an event for just a short time.

Oh, hello. The mayor made an appearance  at the opening of the civic centre.

Make a choice. This is to select  or pick one option over others.

That one. You have to make a choice between  staying here or moving to a new city.

Make a recommendation. This is to suggest  or endorse something to someone else

I’m new here, can you make a recommendation  for a good restaurant in the area?

Make a request. This is to ask for  something politely or formally.

I'd like to make a request  for a day off next week.

Make a confession. This is to admit something that  one has done wrong or kept a secret up until now.

All right, all right, I'm ready  to make a confession. I did it.

Make a profit. This is to earn money by selling  goods or services for more than the cost of  

producing them. So, the money that is left over,  that's your profit and you make that profit.

The company was able to make a profit  despite a difficult economic climate.

Make a sale. This is to successfully  sell a product or service to a customer.

The salesperson was able to make  a sale by offering a discount.

Make a donation. This is to give money  or goods to a charity or organization.

I want to make a donation to help support  research to find a cure for Alzheimer's.

Make a contribution. This is to provide support  

or assistance to a cause or project or to  contribute some words and ideas to a meeting.

Each member of the team made a contribution  to the successful completion of this project.

Make a career. This is to pursue a profession  or vocation and build a successful working life.

She was determined to make a career in  medicine and worked hard to achieve her goals.

Make a living. This is to earn enough  money to support yourself and your family.

Many people in this city struggle to make a living  due to the high costs for rent and food and…

Make peace. This is to end the conflict or  dispute and establish a state of harmony.

The two countries signed a treaty to  make peace and prevent future wars.

Make love. This is to engage in  sexual activity with someone.

They waited until they were married  to make love for the first time.

Make a big deal out of something.  This is to treat something as being  

more important or serious than it really is.

Don't make a big deal out of it. I  just made a small mistake- that's all.

Make a clean break. This is to completely  end a relationship or situation.

She decided to make a clean break  from her toxic ex-boyfriend.

Make a clean sweep. This means to  completely remove or eliminate something.

The new manager made a clean  sweep of the old policies.

Make a face. This means to  show a facial expression  

that conveys an emotion or reaction to something.

She made a face when she  tasted the bitter medicine.

Make a fool of one's self. This is to embarrass  oneself by doing something foolish or silly.

He made a fool of himself by  attempting a dangerous stunt.

Make a go of it. This means to  attempt to succeed at something.

He decided to make a go of it and  start his own business. I'm so proud.

Make a killing. Now this doesn't mean  to kill somebody. It means to earn a  

large amount of money very quickly and easily.

He made a killing in the stock market last year.

Make a move. This means to  take action or make a decision.

Oh, we need to make a move if  we're going to meet this deadline.

Make a name for oneself. This means to  become famous or well known for something.

Oh, she made a name for herself in the  music industry with her unique sound.

Make a pass. This means to make a  romantic or sexual advance on someone.

He made a pass at her but  she rejected his advances.

Make a point. This means to express  

a particular idea or opinion clearly  and effectively. You make your point

All right, you've made your point, calm down. 

He made a good point about  the importance of education.

Make a scene. This means to cause a  disturbance or commotion in public.

Ah, she made a scene at the restaurant when  her order was incorrect. So, embarrassing.

Make a snap decision. This means to make a quick  decision without much thought or consideration.

Just like that, he made a snap decision to accept  the job without fully understanding the terms.

Make a splash. This is to make a  noticeable impression or impact.

The new product launch really  made a splash in the market.

Make a statement. This is to express an opinion  or viewpoint in a clear and decisive manner.

She made a statement about the need for more  sustainable practices in the fashion industry.

Make a U-turn. This means to turn around  and go in the opposite direction. Often  

if you've gone the wrong way,  you're told to make a U-turn.

The driver made a U-turn when he  realized he was going the wrong way.

Make amends. This means to apologize and attempt  to repair or compensate for a wrongdoing.

He tried to make amends for his mistake  by offering to do the laundry for a week.

Make believe. This means to pretend  or imagine something to be true.

Lots of children will play ‘make believe’. 

The children like to ‘make believe’ that  they're explorers in a jungle adventure.

Make do. This means to  manage with what's available,  

often because there is a lack of resource.

We took the wrong tent camping. So, four  of us had to make do in a two-man tent.

Make a fuss. This phrase means to cause a  commotion or make a big deal out of something.

Children, stop making a fuss  and get into bed is bedtime!

Make it up to someone. This means  to do something good for someone  

in order to repair any damage that  you've done to that relationship.

So, if you've made a mistake, then you need to  make it up to them. You need to make amends.

“Oh, I'm sorry, I forgot your birthday. Can  I make it up to you by taking you to dinner?”

Make an excuse. This means to give a reason,  

often a false reason as to why you can't  do something, you're making an excuse.

He's always making excuses to  get out of visiting my parents.

Make light of. This means to treat something  as if it's not serious or important. So,  

imagine something bad has happened and then you  try and say it's okay. You're making light of it.

Although he was in considerable pain,  

he made light of his suffering  so as not to upset his family.

Make no bones about it. This means to not try  to hide something or cover up your feelings.

She makes no bones about the  fact that she detests her boss.

Make off with. This means to  steal something and get away.

Yes, it seems that thieves  broke into the jeweller's  

and made off with numerous valuable items.

Make oneself at home. This means to relax  and feel comfortable in someone else's home.

You often tell someone, “Hey, make yourself  at home. Oh, come into the living room and  

make yourselves at home. We're just  about to bring in the hors d'oeuvres.”

Make or break. This means that what's about to  happen will result in either success or failure.

This is make or break. And this match will be make or break  

for them. Either they win and get to the final  or they lose and finish the season with nothing.

Make time. This is to organize your time so that  you have some available for something important.

We should always make time for ourselves. 

Next week the new recruits are starting so you'll  have to make time to be able to show them around.

Make matters worse. This means to make a  situation even more difficult than it already is.

I fell into a hole full of deep water  at the beach and to make matters worse,  

my mobile phone got waterlogged  and, uh, stopped working.

Make the bed. This means to tidy up  the bed after you've slept in it.

So, in the morning you wake up,  

get out of bed and then you make the  bed and it looks beautiful and inviting. 

I like to make the bed every morning as I feel  that it helps me to start the day off well

Makeover. To makeover means to decorate or  repair something to make it look more attractive.

Once we move in, we're going  to makeover the whole house.

Okay, let's move on to our ‘do’  collocations Are you ready? Let's do this.

Do the housework. This means to  clean and maintain your home,  

including mopping, vacuuming, sweeping, dusting.

We have a cleaner to do all the housework except  for the laundry and the ironing I do that.

Continuing the subject of  cleaning, we do the dishes. 

This is to wash dry and put away the  dishes and other kitchen utensils.

Normally I make the meals and my partner  does the dishes after we finish eating.

Do someone a favour. This is to perform an act  of kindness or assist someone with something.

Could you do me a favour and look  after my cat while I'm on holiday?

Do business. This means to engage in  commercial transactions or negotiations.

Let's do business. 

Oh, we're doing more business  with Asian countries these days.

Staying with the work topic, you – do a job. 

This means to perform work or tasks in  exchange for payment or compensation.

I've got a couple of jobs to do for a neighbour  

this weekend. They've asked me to  mow the lawn and prune their trees.

Similar to that, you do a task. 

This is to complete a specific job  or duty that's been assigned to you.

Ah, my online course is quite intense.  I have to do a different task every day.

We do overtime. This is to work additional  hours beyond one's regular work schedule.

I have to do overtime this week  because half of the staff are ill.

You also do a project. This is  to complete a specific task or  

assignment that requires planning and effort.

My daughter has to do a project  about famous women at school.

You do an experiment. 

This is to carry out a scientific test  or trial to gather data and information.

I don't like it when they do experiments  on animals just to test perfume or cologne.

We do research. 

This is to conduct an investigational  study to gather data and information.

We need to do some market research to  see what people think of our services.

Very similar to that, you do a survey. Again, to gather information or opinions  

from a sample or group of people  through a series of questions.

The council are always doing surveys to check  what people think of the town immunities.

If you're feeling energetic,  then you will do a workout. 

This is to engage in physical activity or  training to improve your fitness or health.

No, this is not a workout.  I don't know what this is. 

I haven't done my workouts this  week, and I feel low on energy.

Next is do yoga. This is to practice a  

series of physical and mental exercises aimed at  improving flexibility, strength and relaxation.

I do yoga twice a week and it  helps my body as well as my mind.

We also do drugs. When we talk about  

doing drugs, this means the illegal  use of substances for recreational or  

potentially medical purposes. But when  we're doing drugs, it's often illegal.

Too many young people are doing drugs here  because the police do nothing to stop them.

Do justice to. This means to treat something in  a way that is fair and show its true qualities.

The modern version of Romeo and Juliet  really doesn't do justice to the original.

Do harm to. This is to cause damage or  injury to a specific person or thing.

Leaving rubbish in the countryside  does a lot of harm to the environment.

Next, do a double take. To do a double take  is to look again in surprise or disbelief.

When I was on the train this morning, I had to do  

a double take. One passenger  looked just like Ed Sheeran.

Do the trick. This is to achieve a desired result.

I've been coughing for days. And so,  

my friend recommended a homeopathic remedy  and it seems to have done the trick.

Do away with. This means to get rid of something  or put an end to something. It seems like they're  

doing away with paper money because I have  to pay for everything with a card these days

Do a number on. This means to  damage or harm something or someone.

They did a number on me at the market. These  cheap tights ripped as soon as I put them on.

Carrying on, we have – do the honours. This often means to pour drinks or serve food,  

but it could be to perform  a task that is privileged.

Would you do me the honour of being my wife? 

Would you do me the honour  of walking me down the aisle? 

Is everybody seated? Okay, Dan, bring  in the wine and do the honours please.

Do the right thing. This is  to act ethically and morally.

When you find a wallet on the street you have to  

do the right thing and try  to return it to its owner.

Do time. This means to serve a prison  sentence so you spend time in prison.

My uncle is doing time for  buying and selling stolen goods.

Do a runner. This means to leave  or run away suddenly and quickly.

When I opened up the bar on Monday,  

I found that someone had done a  runner with the weekend’s takings.

Do a good turn. This means to perform  a kind or helpful act for someone.

I like to do good turns for  people in the neighbourhood  

because it helps foster a good atmosphere.

Do your bit. This is to do your share  or contribute to a common cause.

We’re organizing a street party and I'm doing  my bit by getting the decorations ready.

Do your best. This means  to try as hard as you can.

Don't worry about the exam, just do  your best. That's all you can do.

Do a hatchet job. This means to criticize or  attack someone or something unfairly, or harshly.

I see the newspaper has done a hatchet job  on the referee from yesterday's big match.

Do a balancing act. This  means to manage or maintain  

a delicate or difficult situation or relationship.

As a teacher. I feel like I'm  doing a constant balancing act  

between encouraging and correcting my students.

Do something by the book. This means to  follow the rules or instructions exactly.

Do it by the book. If you do things by  the book, you will never get into trouble.

Do something up. This means  to fasten or secure something.

Your laces! You need to do your shoelaces up!

Do something to death. This means  to overuse or overdo something.

I think they've done TV detective shows to  death by now. There are so many of them.

Do without. This means to manage without  something that is desired or needed.

There isn't any sugar for your tea so you'll  have to do without until the shops open

Do wonders for. This is to have a  positive effect on someone or something.

Oh, this new moisturizer has  done wonders for my skin.

Do a puzzle. This is to solve  a puzzle or a brain teaser.

Let's do a jigsaw puzzle this afternoon.

You will also do a sketch. 

This is to draw a rough or preliminary  version of a design or illustration.

Let's do some sketches and take them back  to the studio so we can choose one to paint.

Do a stunt. This is to perform  a daring or dangerous feat.

Ready, steady. Actors don't normally  do their own stunts and films

Do an autopsy. This means to perform a post  mortem examination of a body a dead body.

They have to do an autopsy in order  to determine the cause of death.

Do an impression. This means to mimic or imitate  someone or something. Typically, for comic effect.

There aren't many comedians who can  do good impressions of famous people.

Do an assignment. This is to complete a task  or assignment typically for school or work.

I have to do an assignment on the  water cycle for science homework.

Carrying on, we have – do an  apprenticeship. This means to  

work as an apprentice in a trade  or profession to gain experience.

I'm going to do an apprenticeship at my dad's  bakery so I can work in the family business

Do an audit. This is to conduct an examination  or review of financial records or practices.

Every year we need to do an audit to check if  there are any discrepancies in our accounts.

Do an exam. This means to take an exam or test.

This week I've got to do an English exam, a  Spanish exam and a French exam. Oh, là là.

We also do exercise. This is to  perform those physical activities.

Do you remember that we do  to keep our body healthy? 

Don't sit on the sofa all day.  You need to do some exercise.

Back to work, we do an inventory. 

This is to count and record all  the items in a stock or store.

We are going to close the shop next  week so we can do an inventory.

Do an encore. This is to perform one more  song or act at the end of the main show.

Brilliant. I hope they do an encore.  I haven't heard my favourite song yet.

Do your hair. This means to style or  comb your hair in a particular way.

I need to do my hair. Do I have  to do my hair for the wedding?

Do one's duty. This is to fulfil  your responsibilities or obligation.

Here at the police force we expect all  officers to do their duty without question.

Do whatever it takes. This is to do whatever  is necessary to achieve a goal or objective.

I will do whatever it takes to win this match.

Do the shopping. This is simply to go and  buy things for the home usually groceries.

We usually do the shopping on Saturday mornings.

When you're driving to the shops you  do a certain number of miles per hour. 

This means you go at a certain speed.

I never do more than 30 miles per hour  when I'm driving through the village.

Do someone's bidding. This is to  do what someone wants or commands.

Yes, sir. Make your own breakfast for once.  I'm tired of always doing your bidding.

Do the numbers. This means to perform  financial calculations or analysis.

Before we look for a new car,  I have to do the numbers first.

We also do paperwork. This is to complete  

administrative or bureaucratic tasks.

When you buy a house, there's  always so much paperwork to do.

Do magic. This is to perform tricks or illusions  using sleight of hand or other techniques.

My uncle is going to do  some magic for my birthday.

Do in. This means to exhaust or  tire out someone or something,  

often through excessive or  prolonged effort or activity.

I'm done in! Looking after the children  all day, it is going to do me in.

Do an about-face. This means to abruptly  change one's opinion decision or direction.

About face! The government  

has done an about-face on its economic policy.

Do as you please. This is to act or behave  according to your own wishes or preferences.

You do as you please, I'm going  for dinner with my parents.

Do up. Hmm. Anna, didn't already  do ‘do up’? Do up your laces! 

Yes, we did! But this is different. Do up  in this particular sense means to renovate,  

refurbish and improve the appearance  and condition of something often in  

a building or you do have a piece  of furniture similar to makeover.

I bought a cheap country house so I  can do it up and sell it for a profit.

Finally, we have a do battle. This means to fight or engage in a struggle.

The weeds grow so quickly in the garden  that I'm constantly doing battle with them.

There we go!

I just did a list of 120  collocations using ‘make’ and ‘do’. 

How did I do? I hope I didn't make  a mess or make a mistake or make a  

meal of the whole thing. I hope I did you proud.

Did I miss any important collocations? If  so, add it to the comments and let's share.

Until next time, take care and goodbye!