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

Note: 
The compound does not correlate in meaning with the
dispute about something
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verb moonshine—(U.S. coll.) make liquor, especially whisky, il-
licitly: He acknowledged no occupation save that of a squirrel
hunter, but he “moonshined” occasionally by way of diver-
sion.
do a number • do one’s number
do a number—
1
. (Underworld) give information to the po-
lice: If Keiser’s doing a number, I’ve arranged for you to knock
him off. 2. (euph., of an animal) urinate or defecate: That
black puppy did a number on the carpet again.
do one’s number —
1
. perform one’s act in a program of en-
tertainment, etc.: When I got up to do my number my sound
was terrible…. 2. (sl.) behave in a predictable or customary
manner: Whenever I call, he does his number about being too
busy to talk.
do a number on someone • make one’s number
with someone
do a number on someone —(sl.)
1
. deceive or treat a person
unfairly: Caroline doesn’t like him. He really did a number
on her at work. 2. speak or write of smb. with disdain; slander
a person: They did a number on Ridpath. They printed dam-
aging statements. 3. totally defeat a person or team: The Irish
team are looking to do a number on England in Dublin to-
morrow.
make one’s number with someone —(sl.) socialize with a usu-
ally superior person (in order to make oneself known, remem-
bered, etc.): He was one of the boys on the campaign bus who
made his number with would-be presidents.
do a runner • do the running
do a runner—(sl.) run away in order not to pay the bill,
avoid punishment, etc.: If we put any pressure on Sorley he’ll
get rid of the drugs and do a runner.
do the running —(also: make the running ) show initiative;
make sure that things get done: Men are no longer expected
to do all the running at the beginning of a relationship.