do a number on

do a number on (third-person singular simple present does a number on, present participle doing a number on, simple past did a number on, past participle done a number on)

1. (informal) To damage; to treat harshly; to produce ill effects in.

   Synonym: take its toll

   • 1974 October 29, “Sports: Full-time Franco Busts A Couple, Rushes For 141”, in Pittsburgh Press, retrieved 20 Aug. 2010, page 26:

     Last night, Harris went the distance and did a number on the Falcons, running for a career-high 141 yards while carrying the ball more often than he ever has.

   • 1988 September 25, Chet Currier, “Obstacles remaining in market's path to revival”, in Reading Eagle, USA, retrieved 20 Aug. 2010, page B4:

     Hopes have faded lately on Wall Street. . . . "This market is really doing a number on both professionals and the public alike," said Sam Weinstein in his investment advisory letter.

   • 2007 August 12, Laura Fitzpatrick, “The Newest Addictions on Campus”, in Time:

     All-night caffeine-fueled video game binges do "a number on your body," says Essenburg.