the business


Also found in: Wikipedia.
Like this video? Subscribe to our free daily email and get a new idiom video every day!

be the business

To be exceptionally great, excellent, high-quality, or skillful. Primarily heard in UK, Ireland. Have you ever tried the pistachio gelato at this place? It's the absolute business! I'm so crazy about the girl I've started seeing. I think she's the business, and I don't care who knows it! Wow, this singer is really the business, isn't she?
See also: business

the business

1. Verbal abuse, scolding, or teasing; also, a beating. For example, At boarding school new kids always get the business, or The boxer faked and then gave his opponent the business. [Slang; c. 1940]
2. A harsh interrogation, as in The detectives gave each suspect the business. [Slang; c. 1940]
3. Dismissal from work or jilting, as in Once the new management takes over I'm sure to get the business, or Dorothy gave him the business and married someone else. [Slang; c. 1940]
See also: business
References in classic literature ?
The little account, about which we quarreled and finally parted, cannot, in any item, be thought overcharged, by gentlemen really conversant with the nature of the business.
View in context
He had done his part, and it now remained for men of different abilities to take up his telephone and adapt it to the uses and conditions of the business world.
He decided that the time had come to organize the business, so he created a simple agreement which he called the "Bell Telephone Association.
A disheartening series of rebuffs slowly forced the truth in upon Sanders's mind that the business world refused to accept the telephone as an article of commerce.
View in context
Guest and myself to make some acknowledgment of the service you've been to us; and, backed by your general conduct and business ability, it has made us determine on giving you a share in the business,--a share which we shall be glad to increase as the years go on.
who first took me into the business, and have taken a good deal of pains with me since.
He's taking to drinking, and they say he's letting the business go down.
View in context
It was told me by the Bank that the gentleman would explain to me the details of the business, and that I must prepare myself to find them of a surprising nature.
View in context
Stated briefly, the business of the firm was of the widely miscellaneous sort.
The share of his partners in the business was of the most trifling nature.
View in context
He tore the veils of illusion from the business game, and saw its nakedness.
He found, with rare and mythical exceptions, that there was no noblesse oblige among the business and financial supermen.
View in context
For men's eyes are upon the business, and not upon the persons; or if upon the persons, it is for the business' sake, as fittest, and not for flags and pedigree.
View in context
In short, all the business of the country went through the Circumlocution Office, except the business that never came out of it; and its name was Legion.
You'll find out when the business passes through each of these stages by asking at both Departments till they tell you.
View in context
Idioms browser ?
Full browser ?