go and (do something)

go and (do something)

To be so foolish, negligent, unfortunate, or thoughtless as to do something. "Go and" in this sense is used as a modifier to express or intensify a negative sentiment regarding the action. You can have a few cookies as a snack, but don't go and spoil your appetite for dinner! I had the money in my pocket to cover rent for this month, but I went and spent it all at the bar.See also: and, go

go and

This phrase is an intensifier, that is, it heightens the action indicated by the verb that follows it. For example, Don't go and eat all the leftover chicken is stronger than "Don't eat all the leftover chicken." Similarly, Thomas Gray put it in a letter (1760): "But now she has gone ... and married that Monsieur de Wolmar." Sometimes the and is omitted, as in Go tell Dad dinner is ready, or Go fly a kite, colloquial imperatives telling someone to do something. [c. 1300] See also: and, go

go and do something

(informal) used for expressing anger that somebody has done something: Why did you have to go and tell him? It was a secret. ♢ Look what you’ve gone and done now! That was my favourite vase.See also: and, go, something

he, she, etc. has gone/been and done something

(informal) used to express surprise, annoyance, etc. at somebody’s actions: Someone’s gone and locked the door and I haven’t got a key! ♢ What’s he been and done now?See also: and, been, done, gone, something