Meaning of "it didn't do"

all potted out · Mon Jul 31, 2006 6:05 am *Meaning of "it didn't do"*

Dear Teachers,

Does "it didn't do" mean "it doesn't work" or "it doesn't help"? For example,

"Might it be the ghost of the former landlord? She knew it didn't do to turn a blind eye on such things."

"Their courtesy when they died, their reluctance to cause me any trouble by dying or suffering, was one of the things it didn't do to think about."

......

Yankee · Mon Jul 31, 2006 7:07 am *Meaning of "it didn't do"*

Hi apo ,)

I'd say "didn't do" means "wasn't appropriate or useful" in your sentences.

Amy
_________________
Amy
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ESL teacher, translator, and a native speaker of American English

Alan · Mon Jul 31, 2006 11:30 am *Doesn't do*

Hi all potted out,

You asked:

Tom · Mon Jul 31, 2006 19:12 pm *Meaning of "it didn't do"*

Tom · Tue Aug 01, 2006 12:31 pm *Meaning of "it didn't do"*

Amy, you there? Very Happy

Tom

Yankee · Tue Aug 01, 2006 12:42 pm *Meaning of "it didn't do"*

Hi Tom

I think the sentence is fairly straightforward assuming you can interpret "didnt do". What do you think it means? Wink

_________________
Amy
.
ESL teacher, translator, and a native speaker of American English

Tom · Tue Aug 01, 2006 13:45 pm *Meaning of "it didn't do"*

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