English Explanatory Dictionary

make do and mend

English dictionary entry

Meanings

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

Pronunciation

/ˈmeɪk ˈduː ən ˈmɛnd/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-make do and mend.wav

Word forms

make do and mend makes do and mends making do and mending made do and mended

Etymology

From the title of a booklet issued by the UK Ministry of Information.

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