dotheneedful (third-person singular simple presentdoes the needful,present participledoing the needful,simple pastdid the needful,past participledone the needful)

1. (India,Nigeria,datedUK) Todo that which isnecessary orrequired.
   • 1817,Sir Walter Scott, chapter 2, inRob Roy‎^[1], volume 1, Edinburgh: James Ballantyne and Co., published1818, page24:

     My father had, generally speaking, his temper under complete self command, and his anger rarely indicated itself by words, except in a sort of dry testy manner to those who had displeased him. He never used threats or expressions of loud resentment. All was arranged with him on system and it was his practice to "do the needful" on every occasion, without wasting words about it.

   • 2017 November 3, Seun Opejobi, quoting Rev. Divine Okwara, “Biafra: Prophet Okwara reveals how Buhari can ‘kill’ agitation for Igbo nation”, inDaily Post (Nigeria)‎^[2]:

     The best way to handle Biafra agitation is through a round table, dialogue with them since they feel they are not well treated. These people are hungry. Let the presidentdo the needful by calling them to order, call the youth to order.

• This phrase is dated in British usage but still current in a few other regions.

• do the right thing