make do and mend
Originating from a British World War II campaign, 'make do and mend' encourages resourcefulness and frugality by repairing and reusing items instead of replacing them.
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Definition
B2General
(idiomatic, British)To manage with what is available by fixing or repurposing existing items.
Example
- During the economic downturn, many families had to make do and mend to get by.
- Instead of buying new furniture, they decided to make do and mend their old pieces.
C1Historical
(idiomatic, British, historical)A World War II philosophy promoting the repair and reuse of clothes and household items to conserve resources.
Example
- The 'Make Do and Mend' campaign helped British citizens cope with wartime shortages.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "make do and mend":
make domake goodmake shiftfix uppatch uppatching upmake the best ofmake hay