doing their magic

USAGE SUMMARY

"doing their magic" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to talk about something that is achieving the desired result, especially in a situation where it seems almost magical. For example, "They tried several different approaches, and nothing worked - until finally the scientists tried something new, and it started doing its magic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

When Mr. Schuster came on about eight years ago, he beefed up the Web site, added search optimization, put up videos on YouTube of the equipment and detergents doing their magic, and promoted the videos and site with Facebook and Twitter.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Watch the yucca moths do their magic.

The New Yorker

"Disney has done their magic and overshadowed it".

The New York Times

Remember how I swayed when Tino and Brosius and Jeter did their magic in '01?

The New York Times - Sports

But the job also allows for down periods while the ovens do their magic.

The New York Times

If Mr. Meyerson's ideas play out, the phones and sensors will do their magic only by interaction with an Internet almost unimaginably more complex than the one we have today.

The New York Times

As the sprocket holes, and the expert projectionists, did their magic in Pordenone this year, those of us who wouldn't know a Maltese cross from a Maltese falcon had plenty more to occupy our minds and emotions.

The Guardian - Film

Let passionate people do their magic.

Forbes

Servers were done for a good 24 hours while the company's elves did their magic.

TechCrunch

Are Google and Bing allowing their algorithms to do their magic, or is something else going on here?

TechCrunch

What is needed is to turn the Valley's entrepreneurs loose on these problems and let them do their magic.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "doing their magic" when you want to convey a sense of wonder or amazement at how something achieves a successful outcome, especially when the process isn't fully understood or seems almost effortless.

Common error

While "doing their magic" can be effective, avoid using it too frequently in your writing. Overuse can make your writing sound cliché or insincere. Vary your language by using synonyms like "working their wonders" or "applying their expertise".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "doing their magic" acts as a verbal phrase, typically functioning as part of a larger clause. It describes an action being performed, conveying a sense of skill, effectiveness, and sometimes mystery, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

33%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "doing their magic" is a grammatically correct phrase that effectively conveys the idea of achieving a desired outcome through skill or mysterious means. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is acceptable in written English and conveys a sense of wonder or amazement. While not extremely common, the phrase appears across various contexts, including news, media and wiki sources. When employing "doing their magic", be aware of its neutral register and consider synonyms like "working their wonders" to prevent overuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

working their wonders

Replaces "magic" with "wonders", emphasizing the positive and impressive results achieved.

performing their skills

Focuses on the skill and expertise involved rather than attributing the outcome to something mystical.

exerting their influence

Highlights the power and effect that someone or something has on a situation.

applying their expertise

Emphasizes the use of specialized knowledge and skill to achieve a specific outcome.

bringing their A-game

An idiom suggesting that someone is performing at their best.

using their talents

Highlights the natural abilities used to produce results.

displaying their abilities

Focuses on the visible demonstration of competence and skill.

making their contribution

Shifts the focus to the positive impact and addition that someone or something makes.

creating their effect

Highlights the results are created by deliberate actions.

orchestrating their success

Emphasizes planning and coordination for a positive outcome.

FAQs

What does "doing their magic" mean?

The phrase "doing their magic" suggests that someone or something is effectively achieving a desired result, often in a way that seems almost effortless or mysterious. It implies a special skill or ability that leads to a positive outcome.

How can I use "doing their magic" in a sentence?

You can use "doing their magic" to describe anything from a skilled professional at work to a natural process that yields impressive results. For example, "The chef was in the kitchen, "doing their magic" with the ingredients" or "The new software started "doing their magic", and the system performance improved dramatically".

What are some alternatives to "doing their magic"?

Alternatives include "working their wonders", "performing their skills", "exerting their influence", or "applying their expertise". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "doing their magic" formal or informal?

The phrase "doing their magic" is generally considered informal. While it can be used in some professional or news contexts, it's best suited for more casual or creative writing. For formal writing, consider alternatives like "applying their expertise" or "exerting their influence".