Phrase guide

do what you will

phrase · 2 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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1

phrase

Meaning 1

Granting permission for a person do whatever they want.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: dated, imperative

Examples

  • Do what you will; I wash my hands of it all.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

phrase

Meaning 2

Expressing that an outcome will not depend on what the person does.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: dated, subjunctive

Examples

  • Do what you will, you'll never be able to wash all of this sticky gunk out of the crevices.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From Middle English do what thou wilt, from Old English þæt þū dōn wilt, þæs þe þū wille.