Phrase guide

could do with

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To need something that would be beneficial.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • I could do with a torch, if you've got one.
  • The fence could do with another coat of paint.
  • Your son could do with a good talking to!
  • That cutter is no good to me now. I could have done with it yesterday.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

5 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • French: ne pas dire non — to need something that would be beneficial
  • German: vertragen können — to need something that would be beneficial
  • Hungarian: ráférne — to need something that would be beneficial
  • Hungarian: jól jönne neki — to need something that would be beneficial
  • Hungarian: elkelne — to need something that would be beneficial