The spelling of the phrase "doest one bit" is archaic and the pronunciation may be confusing for modern English speakers. In IPA transcription, "doest" is pronounced as /dʌst/ and means "does" in the second person singular form. "One" is pronounced as /wʌn/ and means "a single person or thing". "Bit" is pronounced as /bɪt/ and means "a small amount or piece". Therefore, the phrase "doest one bit" means "does a small amount or piece" and was commonly used in Old English texts.
Doest one bit is an archaic phrase that can be traced back to Early Modern English and follows the syntax and vocabulary of that period. The phrase is composed of two main components: "doest" and "one bit".
"Doest" is the second-person singular form of the verb "do" in the present tense. In this context, it indicates an action or behavior performed by someone. "One bit" refers to the smallest unit of something, often used metaphorically to represent a minimal or negligible amount.
When combined, the phrase "doest one bit" suggests that someone is engaged in an action or behavior that makes a minuscule or insignificant difference. It implies that the effort or impact of one's actions is so minimal that it barely registers or has no noticeable effect. It can also convey the notion of someone making an inconsequential contribution or putting in little effort towards a particular task or situation.
The phrase "doest one bit" can be used to describe someone who is lacking motivation, commitment, or effectiveness in their actions. It suggests a level of indifference or inadequacy towards the task at hand. In contemporary usage, this phrase is extremely rare and is considered archaic with its meaning not commonly understood. However, in historical literature, it can be found in works by authors such as William Shakespeare.