This is an example sentence for "close (verb)" in Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English.
Let me do the car door – it won’t close properly.
What is the meaning of "Let me do the car door"?
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3By definition of do: >1) to perform or complete (a deed or action)" ⇒ to do a portrait", " ⇒ the work is done". The action on the car door, in context is to close it. Consider that you could also say "Let me do that - it won’t close properly." which would mean the same thing.– user3169Commented Nov 6, 2015 at 6:26
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Let me close it for you.– LambieCommented Dec 3, 2021 at 16:01
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2 Answers
Here the context of usage is important.
Lets see the following examples:
Suppose your intention is to help someone who is going to close/open the door, then "Let me do the car door" is more of a courtesy shown to help them out with the problematic door.
Another scenario is when you are determined to fix that problematic car door."Let me do the car door" here suggests that you are irritated with the problem and you want to fix it rightaway.
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Great point. As a footnote: there are a number of factors involved, but I might pronounce the sentence slightly differently in the second scenario than I would in the first. In the first, I might emphasize me – particularly if the other person has been trying to close the door unsuccessfully: Here, let me do the car door. In the second scenario, I'm more likely to state it as if it were part of a to-do list: Let me do the car door, and after that I'll feed the cat.– J.R. ♦Commented Nov 7, 2015 at 10:04
Yes, without the context, it's not absolutely clear. But then, there's a hint that the door does not shut properly.
Building a context around what we are provided with, "Let me do the car door..." means "Let me close the door". Say, your kid has sit inside the car. Knowing that the car door won't shut properly unless you apply some force, you may tell your kid, "Hey, don't do that. Let me do the car door - it won't close properly (if you do it with no force).
answered Nov 6, 2015 at 5:59
