The term do's and don'ts is a familiar English phrase for providing advice or guidance on appropriate behavior in specific situations. For instance, you might hear someone say "The do's and don'ts of job interviews" or "The do's and don'ts of online dating." But what exactly does this expression mean and where does it originate? Do's and don'ts is an example of an idiom, which is a phrase with a meaning that differs from the literal meanings of its individual words. In this case, do's implies performing an action or task, while don'ts means refraining from or avoiding something. The apostrophes in do's and don'ts indicate the plural form, not possessive. However, some people prefer writing the phrase without apostrophes, like dos and don'ts. The origin of do's and don'ts is unclear, though some sources suggest it dates back to the late 19th or early 20th century. It may have been influenced by similar expressions contrasting opposites, like pros and cons, ups and downs, or ins and outs. Do's and don'ts commonly introduce a list of rules, tips, or recommendations for appropriate conduct or what to avoid in specific contexts? For example, The do's and don'ts of writing a resume, The do's and don'ts of traveling abroad, and The do's and don'ts of social media etiquette. It's a useful way to summarize essential advice or guidance for handling situations or achieving goals. However, remember that it's an informal expression and may not suit all contexts or audiences. For more formal or academic writing, consider using alternate terms like dos and taboos, guidelines, best practices, or rules of thumb. If you're interested in learning more about idioms, here are some other common examples in English: Break a leg: to wish someone good luck, particularly before a performance or important event. Hit the books: to study hard or prepare for an exam. Piece of cake: something that's very easy or effortless. Spill the beans: to reveal a secret or previously hidden information. Bite the bullet: to face a challenging or unpleasant situation with courage or determination.