How can I learn phrases, idioms and expressions with 'make' and 'do'?

[jana s.]

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #92 "Using Make and Do (2)", question 4

She suddenly realized that she only had a few days left on her vacation so she decided to ......... the most of it.

(a) make
(b) do
(c) made
(d) did

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #92 "Using Make and Do (2)", answer 4

She suddenly realized that she only had a few days left on her vacation so she decided to make the most of it.

Correct answer: (a) make

Your answer was: incorrect
She suddenly realized that she only had a few days left on her vacation so she decided to do the most of it.
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Hi,

why is here "make" if you have to use "do" in sentence like "I'll do Europe in 2 weeks?"

thanks
jana

[Alan]

Hi Jana,

There are many uses of do and make to be found in idioms and so you cannot really give a logical explanation of an idiomatic expression. I'm afraid you just have to learn them. If you like, you could look at some material I've written for the site on these verbs:

ESL Lesson: Make or Do? (1)
ESL Lesson: Make or Do? (2)

Alan
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Indirect Speech