A dictionary of Confusable Phrases: More Than 10,000 Idioms and Collocations

done like a dog’s dinner • done up like a dog’s
dinner
done like a dog’s dinner —(sl.) completely and utterly de-
feated (also: done like a dinner): Whatever possessed her to
play tennis against Sue? She was done like a dog’s dinner.
done up like a dog’s dinner —(sl.) dressed in an ostentatiously
flashy manner (also: dressed up like a dog’s dinner): Ask her
where she’s been all afternoon, done up like a dog’s dinner
and missing for hours.
don’t ask • don’t ask me
don’t ask —is used to say that the answer is so depressing
one wouldn’t even want to hear it: How did we do in the
bridge tournament? Don’t ask!
don’t ask me —is used to tell a person that one does not know
the answer: She has decided to dye her hair bright green, don’t
ask me why.
– 103 –
don’t ask

---

don’t even think of it • don’t give it a thought
don’t even think of it—don’t even let such an idea occur to
you; don’t even consider such a possibility: With high summer
temperatures, you’ll need to be drinking water constantly.
Drugs: Don’t even think of it.
don’t give it a thought—(also: don’t give it a second thought) 
1
.
let that not worry you: I was eating regular food within five
days after surgery. So, don’t give it a thought! 2. is used to in-
dicate that thanks are unnecessary: “Thank you very much
for all your help!” “Please don’t give it a thought!” 3. is used
as a polite way of accepting apology: “I’m sorry that I treated
you mean today.” “Oh, don’t give it a thought.”
don’t give up the day job • give something up as a
bad job
don’t give up the day job —is used to humorously tell a person
that he could not do smth. professionally: Your English is fine
for getting by in a conversation, but as for writing English
(far less translating): don’t give up the day job.