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DOS

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do's and don'ts

The general rules and regulations of a given activity, operation, or situation. Before you begin your first day working for us, there are a few important do's and don'ts that I need to familiarize you with. Tom doesn't understand the basic do's and don'ts of social etiquette.

See also: and

a rum do

dated An odd, strange, or surprising occurrence, situation, or turn of events, especially one that might be considered somewhat disreputable or distasteful. Primarily heard in UK. A young man taking a wife so much older than himself? My word, what a rum do that is! Well, this is a rum do, if I've ever seen one. The kitchen porter has just been made the head chef!

See also: rum

dos and don'ts

rules about what you must do and what you must not do in a particular situation In the back of the guide there's a list of the dos and don'ts of local etiquette.

See also: and, DOS

a rum do

  (British old-fashioned)

if a situation is a rum do, it is strange and people often do not approve of it All three of his ex-wives still live with him. It's a rum do if you ask me.

See also: rum

do's and don'ts

Rules or customs concerning some activity, as in It's important to know the do's and don'ts of diplomatic receptions. This expression alludes to what one should and should not do or say. [c. 1900]

See also: and