business
a company or commercial activity
A company or work that sells things or provides services to make money.
[someone] runs [a business]
- She started her own business selling handmade jewelry.
- The business expanded into international markets last year.
- Running a business requires good management skills.
- His family has owned the business for three generations.
- My father owns a small business.
- She works in a big business in the city.
- They started a new business last year.
the activity of buying and selling
The work of buying and selling things or providing services.
[someone] is in [business]
- She has been in the fashion business for over a decade.
- Business is booming this summer due to increased tourism.
- He decided to leave the restaurant business to pursue teaching.
- My uncle is in the car business.
- They do business with companies in many countries.
- The hotel business is very busy in summer.
a matter that concerns someone
Something that is about or important to someone.
[something] is [someone's] business
- What I do in my free time is my own business.
- This is a private matter and none of your business.
- He made it his business to help new employees settle in.
- It is my business, not yours.
- That is none of your business.
- She made it her business to help us.
level of commercial activity
How much buying and selling a company does.
- Business was slow during the winter months.
- The café has seen an increase in business since it renovated.
- They hope the holiday season will bring more business.
- Business is slow today.
- The shop has more business now.
- We hope for good business this month.
tasks related to one's job or role
The work you have to do for your job.
- I am here on official business.
- She traveled to New York for business, not vacation.
- He mixed business with pleasure during his trip to Paris.
- I am here for business.
- She went on a business trip.
- He came for work, not for fun.
- Base: business
- Plural: business, businesses
business as usual
1normal activities continue despite events
Things are continuing normally even when there are problems or changes.
- Even after the storm, it was business as usual at the market.
- Despite the scandal, it was still business as usual at the office.
do business with [someone]
1engage in commerce with someone
Buy from or sell to someone as part of work.
- We prefer to do business with local suppliers.
- They have been doing business with that company for decades.
get down to business
1start serious work on main task
Begin doing the most important part of the work.
- Let's stop chatting and get down to business.
- After some small talk, they got down to business and discussed the contract.
in business
1operating or ready to operate
Working as a company, store, etc., or ready to start working.
- The store has been in business for over 50 years.
- Once we get the internet connected, we'll be in business.
Mind your own business
2stay out of others' affairs
Do not ask about or try to be part of something that is private to someone else.
- He told her to mind her own business when she asked about his salary.
- I wish she would mind her own business instead of gossiping.
- Mind your own business and stop asking questions about my relationship.
- Mind your own business and stop asking questions about my life.
Mind your own business
3stop interfering in others' affairs
Used to tell someone to stop asking about things that are private or not their problem.
- She told him to mind his own business when he asked about her salary.
- Mind your own business and focus on your work.