funny business

noun

, Informal.

1. improper or unethical conduct, as deception or trickery:

   He won't stand for any funny business here.

Word History and Origins

Origin of funny business¹

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85

Idioms and Phrases

Deceit, treachery, unethical conduct. For example, We suspect their outfit has been up to some funny business . [ Colloquial ; c. 1880]

Example Sentences

Vague "fraud" was alleged and cities with large Black populations were accused of specifics-free funny business, but he didn't bother with drafting many fictional particulars.

From Salon

While Trump was suddenly insisting that others cut out the funny business and stay strictly on message about the border and inflation, he had not yet applied that rule to himself.

From Slate

“Get out. No funny business or I’ll be forced to use this thing.”

From Literature

Wendy Liebman is a veteran of the funny business.

From Los Angeles Times

In a joint interview with Harper's Bazar in 2019 the two claimed that there was “no funny business at all” during filming.

From Salon

Related Words

• accomplishment
• antic
• device
• feat
• gag
• shenanigan
• sleight of hand
• stunt