Meaning of 'make do with'

[sugandha]

Test No. incompl/inter-76 "Christmas Postman (3)", question 5

I had to ......... do with a bicycle that looked as though it had been hit several times.

(a) try
(b) make
(c) end
(d) take

Test No. incompl/inter-76 "Christmas Postman (3)", answer 5

I had to make do with a bicycle that looked as though it had been hit several times.

Correct answer: (b) make
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I don't think there is any correct answer that is listed. Please help.

sugandha

[Alan]

This means accept because that is the only alternative.
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English as a Second Language
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[The_Optimist]

make do with: make do manage with or with what is available, esp. as an inferior or temporary substitute

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Excerpted from Oxford Talking Dictionary
Copyright © 1998 The Learning Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

You can say "I am in a hurry so I have to make do with the snack"

Regards

[Rich7]

That's right, this is the acception I knew and understood by make do. Although this meaning Alan is talking about may be used speacially in England.

Am I right Alan?

[Rich7]

Is my punctuation right? up above....

[Alan]

I only know it in the context of British English. A couple of points on spelling: EXCEPTION and SPECIALLY.
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English as a Foreign Language
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[Rich7]

About "specially"" you're right but "acception" is exactly what I meant.

Acception as in received meaning.

[Alan]

Hi,

My apologies for misunderstanding what you wrote. It was the word acception that confused me as it is a very old use of what today would more commonly be acceptance. If I could suggest an alternative to your wording, I would say: this is the accepted use I already knew.

Hope that helps

Alan
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English as a Second Language
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[Johan]

Hi,

above you said that "make do with" would apparently only be used in the British English.
So, what would an American use?

Thanks

[Johan]

No one to reply to me please? :-)

[Conchita]

'Make do' is apparently also used in American English, Johan:

make do

[Johan]

Alright, just wanted to make sure!
thank you

[Kati Svaby]

Hello,
Is this a phrasal verb or idiom ?

make do (with sth)= to manage with sth that it is not really good enough
Exp: We were in a hurry so we have to make do with a quick snack.(OED)

but: there is a phrasal verb in an other dictionary: make do on sth without example.
Does it mean: He can make do on his low wage?

K.S.
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Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.

[Beeesneees]

Yes, that is a good example of 'make do on'.
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