do the dishes

Meaning

This everyday phrase means to wash and dry the plates, glasses, cutlery, and pots used during a meal. It can refer to washing them by hand in the sink or loading and unloading a dishwasher. It is one of the most common household chores.

Examples

• It's your turn to do the dishes tonight.

  It's your turn to do the dishes tonight.

• I'll cook dinner if you agree to do the dishes afterward.

  I'll cook dinner if you agree to do the dishes afterward.

• She was busy doing the dishes when the phone rang.

  She was busy doing the dishes when the phone rang.

• We have a dishwasher, so we rarely have to do the dishes by hand.

  We have a dishwasher, so we rarely have to do the dishes by hand.

• I hate doing the dishes, but I love cooking.

  I hate doing the dishes, but I love cooking.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I need to make the dishes.

  ✓ I need to do the dishes.

  English uses the verb 'do' (not 'make') for chores like cleaning, washing, and tidying up.

• ✗ He is washing the dishes plates.

  ✓ He is doing the dishes.

  'Dishes' is a collective noun that already includes plates, bowls, and glasses. Adding 'plates' after it is redundant.

Related Expressions

Practice

• If I make lunch, will you ___?

  💡 Wash the plates and cutlery after eating.

  Show answer

  do the dishes

• Don't leave the sink full; please ___ before you go to bed.

  💡 Clean the dirty plates.

  Show answer

  do the dishes