do-over: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumInformal, predominantly spoken
Quick answer
What does “do-over” mean?
An opportunity to do something again, especially to correct mistakes or achieve a better result.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An opportunity to do something again, especially to correct mistakes or achieve a better result.
A repetition of an action, task, or event, granted or taken due to dissatisfaction with the initial outcome; a fresh start or second chance in a specific context.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is markedly more common and established in American English. While understood in British English, it is perceived as an Americanism.
Connotations
In AmE, strongly associated with informal rules in children's games, sports practice, and second chances in business/personal contexts. In BrE, may sound like a deliberate borrowing from American media.
Frequency
High frequency in AmE informal speech; low-to-medium frequency in BrE, often in contexts influenced by American culture (e.g., reality TV, business jargon).
Grammar
How to Use “do-over” in a Sentence
[Subject] + get/give + [Indirect Object] + a do-over[Subject] + ask for/request + a do-over + [Prepositional Phrase]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Informally used in project discussions to propose revising a strategy or presentation after negative feedback. Not suitable for formal contracts.
Academic
Rare in formal writing. May appear in informal student discourse regarding retaking a test or revising an assignment.
Everyday
Common in casual conversation about games, cooking, DIY projects, or minor social mishaps.
Technical
Used in software/game development to describe a reset or replay function in non-critical systems.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “do-over”
- Writing as two words ('do over') when used as a noun. Correct: 'I need a do-over.'
- Using in overly formal contexts where 'revision', 'reassessment', or 'repetition' would be appropriate.
- Pronouncing with even stress; primary stress is on 'DO-'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is firmly informal. In formal writing, use terms like 'revision', 'repetition', 'second attempt', or 'reassessment'.
Rarely and informally (e.g., 'Let's do-over that scene'). It is not standard. The standard verb form is 'redo'.
A 'do-over' often implies an agreed-upon, consensual fresh start within a social or informal framework. A 'retry' is more neutral and technical, focusing on the action of trying again.
It is understood but identified as American. Brits might use 'another go', 'second go', or 'let's take that again' in similar informal situations.
An opportunity to do something again, especially to correct mistakes or achieve a better result.
Do-over: in British English it is pronounced /ˈduː ˌəʊvə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈduː ˌoʊvɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “get a mulligan (golf-specific synonym)”
- “a second bite at the cherry (BrE equivalent)”
- “back to the drawing board (more general)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a child shouting 'Do it OVER!' after a bad shot in a game. The hyphen binds the command into a single noun: a DO-OVER.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A GAME WITH REPLAY OPTIONS / TIME IS A RESETTABLE ENTITY
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'do-over' LEAST likely to be used?