the business

1. 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]

2. 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]

3. A harsh interrogation, as in The detectives gave each suspect the business . [ Slang ; c. 1940]

Example Sentences

“We believe that investing in other core areas of the business will help deliver stronger profitability.”

From Los Angeles Times

But tensions over the business of blue zones have shattered the original collaboration.

From Science Magazine

"I prefer the retro-futurism of the first two films, and so that’s the choice I’ve made — there’s no holograms. The convenience of that beautiful Apple store technology is not available to me," he said on KCRW's "The Business."

From Salon

One is the latest contender by a 15-time nominee and honorary Oscar recipient who has been in the business for more than 40 years, sung by a recent Oscar winner herself.

From Los Angeles Times

The Dodgers should be in the business of retaining champions.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• assassination
• bloodshed
• crime
• destruction
• felony
• homicide
• lynching
• manslaughter
• massacre
• shooting
• slaying
• terrorism