do justice to (someone or something)

do justice to (someone or something)

1. To describe or show someone or something accurately. Often used in the negative to emphasize that something is better than it appeared or was portrayed. I think you two will love this house once we get inside—the pictures really don't do justice to its mid-century modern charm.2. To eat or drink in large quantities. I think you bought too much soda—there's no way the party guests will do justice to all of that.3. To give something the amount of care and consideration it warrants. I don't have enough of a vocal range to do justice to that beautiful song.See also: justice

do justice to something

 1. . Fig. to do something well; to represent or portray something accurately. Sally did justice to our side in the contract negotiations. This photograph doesn't do justice to the beauty of the mountains. 2. Fig. to eat or drink a great deal. Bill always does justice to the turkey on Thanksgiving. The party didn't do justice to the roast pig. There were nearly ten pounds left over.See also: justice

do justice to

1. Treat fairly or adequately, with full appreciation, as in That review doesn't do the play justice. This expression was first recorded in John Dryden's preface to Troilus and Cressida (1679): "I cannot leave this subject before I do justice to that Divine Poet." 2. do oneself justice. Execute in accordance with one's abilities, as in She finally got a position in which she could do herself justice. [Second half of 1800s] See also: justice

do justice to something/someone

1. If you do justice to something or someone, you describe or show them accurately, especially by showing their good qualities. It is impossible to do justice to the amazing flowers we saw. No report that I have heard does justice to the truth.2. If you do justice to something or someone, you give it the attention and effort it deserves. Florence wasn't exactly doing justice to the food either, so there wasn't a lot of point in staying. I am not skilled enough to do justice to the music.See also: justice, someone, something

do justice to ˈsb/ˈsth

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ˌdo somebody/something ˈjustice

say or do something which shows that you know or recognize the true value of somebody/something; show the true value of something: They were not hungry and couldn’t do justice to her excellent cooking. ♢ This picture doesn’t do him justice; he’s much better-looking in real life.See also: justice, Sb, sth

do justice to

To treat adequately, fairly, or with full appreciation: The subject is so complex that I cannot do justice to it in a brief survey.See also: justice