do the trick
Meaning(s)
1. apply a final touch to fix something or finish successfully
Popularity
Medium
Professional
High
Social
How to Memorize
will/should/help do the trick
Analysis
If something will 'do the trick' it will serve as a good substitute until a better solution is found. If something breaks, for example, and you manage to fix it temporarily before bringing it to be repaired you could say 'That did the trick!'. If something 'does the trick' also means it did what was required. "The soup was a little bland, but I added some paprika and it really did the trick!" This is a common idiomatic expression in social and professional contexts.
Social Examples (Basic)
- That last bit of glue should do the trick in keeping the clip in place.
- This hair elastic will help do the trick until we get to a salon to fix your hair.
- One more coat of paint will do the trick, then the walls will be as good as new.
Professional Examples (Basic)
- The printer wasn't working earlier but I switched the toner and I think it did the trick.
- Changing the tone of the colours in the logo really did the trick to help it stand out more.