businessbusi‧ness /ˈbɪznəs/ ●●● S1 W1 noun 
Students on the course learn about all aspects of business. Carl began in the music business by running a recording studio. We do business with a number of Italian companies. He has a wide range of business interests.GRAMMARDon’t use ‘the business’ when talking in general about the activity of making money. You say: · Tourism is good for business. ✗Don’t say: Tourism is good for the business.Grammar guide ‒ NOUNS2company [countable] an organization such as a company, shop, or factory that produces or sells goods or provides a service: She now has her own $25 million home-shopping business. They don’t know how to run a business. The company began as a small family business.► see thesaurus at company3how much work a company has [uncountable] the amount of work a company does or the amount of money it makes: We’re now doing twice as much business as we did last year. Exports account for 72% of overall business.business is good/bad/slow etc Business is slow during the summer.drum up business (=try to get more work for you or your company) Perot was in Europe, drumming up business for his new investment company.4for your job [uncountable] work that you do as part of your job: She’s in New York this week on business (=for her work). Hi Maggie! Is this phone call business or pleasure?business trip/meeting etc We discussed the idea over a business lunch. useful business contacts5what someone should be involved in [uncountable] a)if something is not your business or none of your business, you should not be involved in it or ask about it: It was not her business, she decided, to ask where the money came from. It’s none of your business how much I weigh. ‘Who’s that girl you were with?’ ‘Mind your own business (=Don’t ask questions about something that does not concern you)!’ ‘Are you going out with Kate tonight?’ ‘That’s my business (=it doesn’t concern you, so don’t ask me questions about it)’. b)if it is someone’s business to do something, it is their duty or responsibility to do itit is the business of somebody to do something It is the business of government to listen to the various groups within society.6things to be dealt with [uncountable] things that need to be done or discussed: Okay, let’s get down to business (=start doing or discussing something). ‘Is there any other business?’ the chairman asked.7matter [singular] a situation or activity, especially one that you have a particular opinion about or attitude towardsa serious/strange/funny etc business Leon regards keeping fit as a serious business. Tanya found the whole business ridiculous.8be in business a)to be involved in business activities: The company has been in business for over 30 years. b)spoken to have all that you need to start doing something: I’ve just got to buy the paint and then we’re in business.9(go) out of business if a company goes out of business, or something puts it out of business, it stops operating, especially because of financial problems: Higher interest rates will drive small firms out of business.10be back in business to be working or operating in a normal way again: The band are back in business after a long break.11somebody was (just) minding their own business spoken used to say that someone was not doing anything unusual or wrong at the time when something unfair or bad happened to them: I was driving along, minding my own business, when the police stopped my car.12go about your business to do the things that you normally do: The street was full of ordinary people going about their business.13make it your business to do something to make a special effort to do something: Ruth made it her business to get to know the customers.14mean business informal to be serious about doing something even if it involves harming someone: The border is guarded by troops who mean business.15unfinished business something you need to discuss further with someone or a situation that has not yet reached a satisfactory solution: The sudden death of a loved one can often leave the bereaved with an agonising sense of unfinished business.16business is business spoken used to say that profit is the most important thing to consider: We can’t afford to employ someone who isn’t good at the job – business is business.17business as usual when someone or something is still working or operating normally when you think they might not be: Despite last night’s scare, it was business as usual in the White House today.18have no business doing something/have no business to do something to do something you should not be doing: He was drunk and had no business driving.19not be in the business of doing something to not be intending to do something because you think it is a bad idea: I’m not in the business of selling my best players.20and all that business spoken informal and other things of the same general kind: She handles the publicity and all that business.21(it’s) the business British English informal used to say that something is very good or works well: Have you seen David’s new car? It’s the business!22do the business British English informal a)to do what you are expected to do or what people want you to do: Come on, then, and do the business. b)to have sex → big business, → funny business at funny(3), → like nobody’s business at nobody1(2), → monkey business at monkey1(3), → show businessCOLLOCATIONS– Meaning 1verbsdo business· A lot of firms are keen to do business in Japan.conduct business formal (=do business)· It is not a sensible way to conduct business.go into business (=start working in business)· A lot of university graduates want to go into business.set up/start up in business· The bank gave me a loan to help me set up in business.stay in business (=continue operating and not become bankrupt)· Even if they manage to stay in business for another year, their long-term survival remains under threat.· Some stores are finding it hard to stay in business.go out of business (=stop doing business because of financial problems)· In a recession smaller firms often go out of business.NOUN + businessthe music/entertainment/computer etc business· He started out working in the computer business.business + NOUNa business deal (=an occasion when you buy or sell something)· Negotiation is the most important part of a business deal.business activities· His wife refused to get involved in his business activities.business interests (=business activities, or shares in companies)· Both companies have substantial business interests in Indonesia.the business community (=people who work in business)· There was pressure on the government from the business community.the business world· You need to be flexible in today’s highly competitive business world.business studies (=a course of study about business)· She did business studies at college.COMMON ERRORS ► Don’t say ‘make business’. Say do business.COLLOCATIONS– Meaning 2verbshave/own a business· Nick owned a software business in Boston.run a business (=manage it)· There’s plenty of advice available on how to run your own business.start/set up a business· When you’re starting a business, you have to work longer hours.take over a business (=buy it or start running it)· When my father retired, I took over the business.build (up)/develop a business· He spent years trying to build a business in Antigua.establish a business· She overcame many financial difficulties to establish her business.a business succeeds· Making a business succeed is not simple.a business collapses/fails (=stops operating)· 35% of small businesses fail in the first year of operation.ADJECTIVES/NOUN + businessa small business (=that employs only a few people)· Many small businesses have been badly hit by the recession.a medium-sized business· They offer services to small and medium-sized businesses.a software/catering/construction etc business· His girlfriend runs a catering business.a family business (=owned and controlled by one family)· For many years the hotel was a family business.an import/export business· Kingwell had an export business in New Zealand.a successful/profitable/thriving business· Within a few years she had established a thriving business in London.a viable business (=one that is likely to be successful)· It soon became clear that the restaurant was not a viable business.business + NOUNa business partner (=someone who shares a business with you)· Margie was his wife and also his business partner.a business manager· We need to take on a business manager to deal with some of the admin.a business customer/client· We’re providing our business customers with reliable, proven Internet technology.THESAURUSbusiness the activity of making money by producing, buying, or selling goods, or providing services: · Business in Europe has been badly affected by economic conditions in the US.· He works in the advertising business.trade the buying and selling of goods and services, especially between countries: · Trade between European countries became easier after the introduction of the Euro.· a trade agreementcommerce the buying and selling of goods and services. Commerce is more formal than business, and is used when talking about business activities in general: · One of the roles of the federal government is to regulate commerce.· London became a great centre of commerce.· the local chamber of commerce (=an organization which the companies and shops in an area belong to)e-commerce the buying and selling of goods and services on the Internet: · E-commerce is a fast-growing part of the US economy.
WORD ORIGINbusiness
Origin:
1300-1400 busyEXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- "Is this trip for business or pleasure?'' "Business, I'm afraid.''
- "What type of business are you in?'' "I run a catering company.''
- "Where's Michael?'' "He's at a business meeting.''
- Business in Europe has been badly affected by economic conditions in Asia.
- Business is really bad at the moment. They may have to sell some of their factories overseas.
- Business was good until June and then sales fell because people were on vacation.
- As an M.B.A. student, you study all aspects of business.
- Building the new highway will be good for business.
- Don and his wife run their own business.
- For kids, playing is serious business.
- Gerald left, saying he had some important business to attend to.
- He's been in the advertising business for over 20 years now, and he wants to get out.
- He handles the mail and all that business.
- His oldest daughter, 31, owns a small printing business in Fresno.
- His sons have worked in the family business for years.
- I don't want to argue about this any more -- I'm sick of the whole business.
- I have to go to Tokyo next month on business.
- I was in London last month because I had some business there.
- In our business the first rule is that the customer is always right.
- In the old days, when business was booming, he used to fly to New York twice a week.
- At the bottom of Rover's long-term failure is a hopelessly crude conception of what constitutes enterprise and business success.
- Few of us are fortunate enough to have a chance to try working with our partner before we go into business together.
- Hancock, a native of Great Britain, is a veteran of the computer business.
- His heirs developed the business to adapt to changing modes of transport.
- I made it my business to be there at dinner the following day.
THESAURUS
the activity of making money by producing, buying, or selling goods, or providing services: · Business in Europe has been badly affected by economic conditions in the US.· He works in the advertising business.
the buying and selling of goods and services, especially between countries: · Trade between European countries became easier after the introduction of the Euro.· a trade agreement
the buying and selling of goods and services. Commerce is more formal than business, and is used when talking about business activities in general: · One of the roles of the federal government is to regulate commerce.· London became a great centre of commerce.· the local chamber of commerce (=an organization which the companies and shops in an area belong to)
the buying and selling of goods and services on the Internet: · E-commerce is a fast-growing part of the US economy.
Longman Language Activatorthe work that companies do the work that companies do when they buy and sell goods and services: · Business in Europe has been badly affected by economic conditions in Asia.on business (=for business reasons): · She'll be back next week - she's in Korea on business.the advertising/computer/insurance business (=the work of companies that are involved in advertising, computers etc): · He's been in the advertising business for over 20 years now, and he wants to get out.have a head for business (=have a good understanding of business): · Spending a year working for a big company will be good for him - at the moment he has no head for business at all.
the buying and selling of goods and services, especially between countries: trade with/between: · The introduction of the Euro should make trade between European countries much easier.trade in something (=the buying and selling of a particular kind of goods): · The trade in data processing between countries is likely to grow faster than the trade in goods.trade agreement: · South Korea and Japan have signed an important trade agreement.trade deficit (=when a country buys more goods from another country than it sells to that country): · The trade deficit with China remains high.trade embargo (=when a country refuses to buy goods from another country or sell goods to that country): · The U.S. has maintained a trade embargo against Cuba since 1962.balance of trade (=the difference between the amount a country buys and the amount it sells): · Strong exports of services helped the overall balance of trade.world/international/overseas trade: · After agriculture, overseas trade accounts for the largest portion of the economy.the fur/arms/diamond etc trade (=the buying and selling of fur, weapons etc): · The war has created favorable conditions for the illegal arms trade.
the buying and selling of goods and services, especially between companies or countries - use this to talk about these activities in general: · One of the roles of the federal government is to regulate interstate commerce.· He had a genuine talent for commerce and soon had a brilliant career working for the World Bank.
the production of large quantities of goods to sell to people, or the companies and people that are involved in this process: · The region has tried to attract new industry in order to reduce unemployment.the textile/motor/engineering etc industry: · Many people moved from Asia to work in the British textile industry, where jobs were plentiful.in industry: · She was looking for a management position in industry.heavy industry (=the production of steel, cars, ships etc): · The Ruhr valley has always been the centre of German heavy industry.light industry (=the production of goods such as electronic and electrical goods): · Ireland is now a European center for light industry, like computer assembly.
the buying and selling of goods and services on the Internet: · E-commerce is still a small but fast-growing part of the U.S. economy.· a conference to debate the future of e-commerce
a company's operations are all its activities, especially in one country or one area of business: UK/US/overseas/international etc operations: · Salco may have to close down its UK operations with the loss of 1500 jobs.· He was an important decision maker in terms of GM's overseas operations.
business activities, especially those that involve the movement of money between companies, countries, banks etc: · The company had to pay a lot of tax on its financial dealings during the past tax year.dealings with: · Mr Stockwell's dealings with several Third World banks are currently under investigation.
a new business activity which involves risking money: · The group is planning to risk everything to get their next venture off the ground.business venture: · His bankruptcy was the result of several reckless business ventures.joint venture: · Ford has invested $125 million in a joint venture to build engines in China.
the amount of business a company is doing (=a company is successful/not successful) · Business is really bad at the moment. They may have to sell some of their factories overseas.· Business was good until June and then sales fell because people were on vacation.business is booming (=business is very good) · In the old days, when business was booming, he used to fly to New York twice a week.something is good for business · Building the new highway will be good for business.
the amount of goods or services that a company sells in a particular period of time: · Our corporation has an annual turnover of $3.2 billion.· Turnover is expected to double now that the recession is over.
the amount of goods or services that a company sells: · Sales have been far better than expected.· These firms report sales of between 10 and 20 million dollars a year.sales figures (=information about how much has been sold): · December sales figures will be released on Thursday.
relating to business · During the first week of the secretarial course we learned how to write business letters.· Most of the women there were wearing business suits.business trip/lunch/meeting (=a trip, meal etc arranged for business reasons not pleasure) · He's in Tokyo on a business trip.business associate (=someone you do business with) · I've known Mr Henry for years. He's one of my father's old business associates.
a commercial activity or organization is concerned with the business of buying and selling goods and services: · His first commercial venture was opening a small corner shop.· The British Empire was established for commercial as well as political reasons.· The space shuttle is being used more and more for commercial purposes.
relating to the production of goods in factories: · The government is giving high priority to industrial development.· industrial waste
to do business if a company does business with another company, it buys things from them or sells things to them: · I hope you'll think about my offer. I'm sure we can do business.do business with: · They do a lot of business with Italian companies.· She's very efficient - the kind of person you want to do business with.do good business (=do a lot of successful business): · They've been doing very good business lately. They'll probably even expand their operations.
if someone is in business they own a company or shop: · In all the twenty years I've been in business this is the worst period I've seen for sales.· The insurance companies are in business to make money, not waste it.set up in business British (=start a company, shop etc): · When I qualified I set up in business as a financial consultant.
to buy goods from another company or person, or sell goods to them: · I deal with farmers, selling them things like cattle feed and insecticides.· They don't buy their office supplies from a store - they only deal with the manufacturers.· We don't deal with the actors directly - we usually have to go through their agents.
to do business buying or selling a particular product: · Companies that deal in oil should prepare themselves for a price drop.· The main commodities he dealt in were rice, and lentils.
if a country or large organization trades with another country or large organization, they buy, sell, or exchange goods with each other: trade with: · The two nations have not traded with each other for over 30 years.trading partner (=a country that regularly does business with another country): · Japan is one of our major trading partners.
if a company or organization operates it takes part in business activities, especially in one country or in one kind of business: · Olivetti operates in all the major computer markets in the world.· Screenview are a small company operating from a converted barn in a village near Norwich.
a business agreement a business agreement between two companies, especially when one company agrees to provide goods or services, and another company agrees to buy them: · Wickes lost a lot of money on two large property deals.deal with: · They agreed a $55 million deal with a leading Japanese automobile company.sign a deal: · Taylor recently signed a deal to lease her three-bedroom home for $14,000.finalize a deal (=complete it): · It is expected that the deal will be finalized before the end of May.
a business deal between two or more people or companies in which money is given and something is bought or sold: · When the transaction is complete it will be at least two weeks before you receive your copy of the contract.· Most transactions are processed by computer at our Head Office.
someone who works in business someone who works in business, especially as the owner or manager of a company: · Tim Knight is a high-powered businessman who runs his own electronics company.· A successful businesswoman, she had made her first million before she was 21.
someone who is willing to risk their money in order to make a profit or start a new company: · The Bay Area is full of entrepreneurs hoping to make money on the Internet.· A few months ago a young property entrepreneur bought a vacant house, redecorated it and sold it for twice the original value.
a company an organization, that produces goods or provides services in order to make a profit: · The company employs over 10,000 people worldwide.oil/insurance/phone etc company: · It is the second largest insurance company in Germany.work for a company: · My father used to work for one of the big oil companies.join a company (=start to work there): · Davis joined the company as vice-president of sales nine months ago.set up/start a company: · The company was set up in 1975.
a company, especially one that provides services rather than producing goods, for example financial or legal services: · Hanson decided to start his own management consulting firm.law/electronics/building etc firm: · She works for a law firm in Amsterdam.firm of lawyers/accountants etc: · Edward got a job with a firm of accountants in London.join a firm (=start working for a firm): · Harris joined the firm in 1992.
a company that sells or produces goods or provides services, especially one that employs only a small number of people or only one person: · Jack's thinking of starting his own business.· Several small businesses have folded (=closed) in recent months.manage/run a business: · Don and his wife run their own business.set up/start a business: · Profits have slowly increased since we started the business three years ago.small business (=one that employs only one person or very few people): · His oldest daughter, 31, owns a small printing business in Fresno.family business (=one that was started by and employs members of the same family): · His sons have worked in the family business for years.
a company that is owned and controlled by a larger company: · Sharp Electronics is the U.S. subsidiary of Japan's Sharp Corporation.subsidiary company: · Relco plans to establish a subsidiary company in the UK with a capital of around $4m.
a company that sells its goods and services on the Internet: · Many dotcoms fail in their first year of trading.
a small company that has just been started, often one concerned with computing or the Internet: · She works for a small internet start-up.
determined to do something if you are determined to do something, you have decided that you are definitely going to do it, and you will not let anything stop you: · There's no point in trying to stop her -- it'll only make her more determined.determined to do something: · I was determined to be a professional dancer, and practised for hours every day.· Both sides in the dispute seemed determined not to compromise.determined (that): · She was determined that her children should have the best possible education.
to be determined to do something, especially something important that will affect your whole life, even if other people think you should not do it: be set on (doing) something: · Nina seems to be set on marrying him.be dead set on something (=extremely determined to do something): · I didn't particularly want to go to Africa, but Bob was dead set on the idea.
if you set your mind on something, you decide that that is what you definitely want to do or have, especially something that you will have to work hard to achieve: set your mind on (doing) something: · Once Tammy's set her mind on something, she doesn't rest until she's done it.· She's set her mind on having a big posh wedding.
to be determined to do something, especially something that other people do not approve of or think you should do: · Michael left school at fifteen, intent on a career in showbusiness.be intent on (doing) something: · He's always seems intent on stirring up trouble among his colleagues.
determined not to change your opinion or decision, especially when other people are trying to persuade you to change it: · The man in the shop was adamant. "Definitely not," he said.adamant that: · Taylor was adamant that she was not going to quit.be adamant in your belief/refusal/own mind: · Nicolson was always adamant in his belief that his films did not encourage drug-taking.adamant about: · To this day, Matthews is adamant about his innocence.
in a way that shows that you are determined to do something: · She strode purposefully up to the door and rang the bell loudly.
formal to be determined to do something because you are sure that it is the right thing to do: be resolved to do something: · The new President is resolved to impose a number of reforms.be resolved that: · Our city authorities are resolved that the new school will be built within six months.
to be determined to do something and show other people that you are determined to do it, even if it involves harming someone: · And to prove we mean business, our members will stage a one-day strike next week.· Firm action would show both sides that the EU and the UN really meant business.
American informal to be very determined to get what you want, especially in business or politics: · Toymaker Mattel is getting ready to play hardball in an effort to persuade Hasbro to reconsider a merger.play hardball with: · The Deputy Prime Minister told reporters that Canada was ready to play hardball with the US.
refusing to stop trying to do something even though the situation is difficult or people are opposing you: · As a reporter, David was tougher and more tenacious than the other three.· He was the most tenacious politician in South Korea.
when a company, shop, or business fails · A large number of businesses failed when interest rates rose.· Several thousands of small businesses fail each week.
if a company goes out of business , it stops existing because it is no longer making a profit: · Many small farms are going out of business.be put/forced out of business: · As the recession hit, many traders were forced out of business.
if a business, bank, or company goes under , it fails - used especially in newspapers and business contexts: · When the company went under, some of our workers found positions with Ford.
if a shop, factory, or business closes down, it stops making or selling goods: · If the factory closes down, 600 people will lose their jobs.· Coal mines are closing down all over the country.· Not long ago, the orchestra was the pride of the city. Now it is on the verge of closing down.
British /closing American when a shop, factory, or business fails and closes: · Further factory closures have been announced.closure of: · The closing of the Minton Savings and Loan was a great loss to the town.face/be threatened with closure (=to be going to close down): · Penrhyn is now the largest quarry in the world, yet 5 years ago it faced closure.
informal if a person or company goes bankrupt , they are legally forced to sell their property and possessions to pay their debts: · Her father went bankrupt in 1984.· He bought a small printing firm that had gone bankrupt.· The company went bust last year, owing £12 million.
informal to fail and be unable to continue in business: · Most of the companies dependent on the steelworks folded within weeks.
informal to fail and be unable to continue in business, especially because of difficult economic conditions: · Over 300 small firms have gone to the wall in the past year.· High interest rates will force many businesses to go to the wall.
a series of bad things that happen at the same time something that happens, especially something unpleasant or shocking, that usually involves several people and several events: · The court case was an awful affair that dragged on for months.· The whole world was waiting for the outcome of the Watergate affair.· Nick Leeson had to serve a prison term in Singapore for his part in the affair.
a set of connected events which you think are unpleasant, shocking, annoying etc: · It was a nasty business. In the end, she killed herself, you know.the whole business (of something): · I don't want to argue about this any more -- I'm sick of the whole business.· The whole business of getting a visa can take a very long time.
informal things that have been happening somewhere, especially ones that surprise, annoy, or amuse you: · I could hardly believe it when he told me about the goings-on in his office.· According to Gwen, there had been some very strange goings-on in the upstairs apartment.
things that are happening at the same time in the same place involving a lot of people, all behaving in an angry, excited etc way: · Angry scenes in Parliament followed the minister's statement.· The airport was full of the usual emotional scenes, and people saying 'goodbye'.
to not interfere spoken say this when you want someone to stop interfering or asking questions about something that is private: · Whitney, you just mind your own business. He can do what he wants.· He wanted a copy of the will but I told him it was none of his business.· I didn't ask, because it's none of my business really, but I was sure curious.
spoken informal to not get involved in a fight or an argument between other people: · It isn't your business, you stay out of it and let her handle it.· I know what I'm doing - you keep out of it.stay/keep well out of it (=not interfere at all) British: · They're always arguing about money, but I try to stay well out of it.
also not have anything to do with somebody if a situation has nothing to do with someone, it is very personal and private, and that person has no right to interfere in it: · I really shouldn't have told her about it - it had nothing to do with her, really.· Back off and let me handle it. It's nothing to do with you.
British /leave/let well enough alone American spoken to not interfere or try to change a situation, because you might make it worse than before: · I should have left well enough alone, and never told my parents what had happened at all.· Once you've finished a project, leave well alone and go on to the next one.
a job the work that you do regularly in order to earn money, especially when you work for an employer: · My first job was in a record store.· Daniel starts his new job on Monday.· She has a well-paid job in the tax department.get a job: · Ted got a job as a bartender.find a job (=get a job after trying to get a lot of different jobs): · Her son still hasn't been able to find a job.look for a job (=try to get one): · She's looking for a job in the music business.hold a job (=have a job): · If a woman is qualified, she should hold any job in government she wants.part-time job (=when you work less than the usual number of hours each week): · I had a part-time job while I was in college.job losses/job cuts (=when a lot of people lose their jobs): · The company announced 74,000 job cuts and 21 factory closures.
work that someone does regularly to earn money, either by working for an employer or working for themselves: · My father started work when he was 14.· Most people stop work when they are 65.· I usually start work each day around 9 am and finish about 6 pm.· The work's really interesting but the pay's lousy.look for work (=to try to get work): · Lena graduated from college six months ago and she's still looking for work.find work (=to get work): · He eventually found work as a labourer on a construction site.return to work/go back to work (=to start work again after several weeks, months, or years): · Women often return to work after they have had children.· His injuries have made it impossible for him to go back to work.at work (=at the place where you work): · Her mother tried to call her at home and then at work.to work (=to the place where you work): · Alexander commutes 30 miles to work each day.after/before work (=before you start or after you finish your work each day): · They sometimes play tennis after work.
work such as law, medicine, or teaching, for which you need special training and education: · Many teachers are thinking about leaving the profession for more highly paid careers.the teaching/medical/legal etc profession: · There are now a lot more women in the legal profession.go into/enter a profession: · There was a big demand for accountants in the 1980s, and many graduates entered the profession at this time.
the type of work that someone usually does - used especially on official forms: · Please write your name, address, and occupation in the spaces below.· Part-time workers often work in low-paid occupations.
the general type of work that you do, such as buying and selling a particular type of thing: · In our business the first rule is that the customer is always right.· "What type of business are you in?'' "I run a catering company.''the newspaper/used-car/movie etc business: · The used-car business has a pretty bad reputation.
spoken use this to ask what someone's job is: · What does your husband do?· She used to work for an accounting firm, but I'm not sure what she does now.
a skilled job in which you use your hands to do things, such as building houses, making furniture, or repairing cars: · Most of the men had worked in skilled trades such as carpentry or printing.· Young men and women can learn a trade in the military.be a bricklayer/carpenter etc by trade: · His father had been a bricklayer by trade.
the type of work that you do for most of your working life, which involves several similar jobs over a long period of time: · Like his father, Tommy chose a career in the Army.· Later on in his career he became first secretary at the British Embassy in Washington.· The scandal destroyed his career as a politician.career in: · I wanted to find out more about careers in publishing.
a job such as being a nurse, priest, or teacher that you do because you have a strong feeling that you want to do it, especially because you want to help people: · Nursing is hard work and often low paid, but for many people it is a vocation.· He was quite young when he decided he had a religious vocation.
the work that you do in order to earn enough money to live on or the thing that provides the work for you to do: · Most of the people here depend on tourism for their livelihood.· Fishermen are angry about the new EC fishing regulations because they feel that their livelihood is being threatened.
the type of work or job that you do: · I meet some interesting people in my line of work.· Henson had to leave real-estate, which had been his line of business since 1969.
when people work or have jobs - used especially in official documents, news reports etc: · I have not yet signed a contract of employment.· A Japanese company plans to set up a factory in the area, so this should provide some employment for local people.be in employment (=have a job): · Are you in full-time employment, Mr Edwards?
what you say to tell someone that something is private use this to tell someone, who has asked you about something private, that you think they have no right to ask you: · "I don't care what you think, and anyway it's none of your business," she said rather rudely.· "Where did you get the money?" "That's my business."it's none of your business what/where/how etc: · It's none of your business how much I earn.
say this when someone is asking questions about your private life that you do not want to answer: · "Where did you sleep last night?" "Mind your own business."· I wish you'd stop interfering and mind your own business.
to really mean what you say to really mean what you say or really intend to do something: · Do you think she was serious when she said she used to be an actress?· Listen! I'm serious! I'm not lending you any more money!be serious about: · Tina's quite intelligent, but she's not really serious about her schoolwork.serious about doing something: · I hope Jeff's serious about giving up smoking.get serious about something (=start dealing with a problem in a determined way): · Car manufacturers should get serious about making security a design priority.deadly serious (=extremely serious): · Her voice suddenly sounded deadly serious.be perfectly/absolutely serious (=be serious in a situation where it is hard to believe that someone could be): · "Look!" he said, "I am perfectly serious. I'm willing to give you $10,000 for your land."
if someone means what they say, they are being serious when they say it, and they are not pretending or lying: mean it especially spoken: · I mean it - I'll scream if you don't let me go.· She told me she loved me - but I wasn't sure if she meant it.mean what you say: · I meant what I said, I never want to see you again.
if you say you are not joking , you really mean what you say, even though it seems surprising or unlikely: · There must be about 10 of them in that car - I'm not joking.· She told him she'd call the police if he bothered her again, and she wasn't joking.
if you say or do something seriously , you really mean it, really intend to do it, or really think it is important: · Are you seriously suggesting that she should give up her job in order to look after her husband?seriously intend/want/attempt etc to do something: · Those who seriously attempt to kill themselves usually manage to do so.seriously concerned/interested/worried etc: · She was talking about children's social education at a time when no one else was seriously concerned with it.
spoken if someone means business , it is very clear that they will definitely do what they say or what they are threatening to do: · The man had a gun. It was obvious he meant business.
if someone is in earnest , they really mean what they say, especially when they are saying what they want or what they intend to do: · I'm sure he was in earnest when he said he wanted to marry her.be very much in earnest: · She spoke lightly, but it was obvious that she was very much in earnest.
something you talk about, write about etc something that is talked about or written about, for example at a meeting, in an article, or in a conversation: · I read a lot of books about astronomy. It's a very interesting subject.· We talked about all sorts of subjects.· Bottle-collecting even has a website devoted to the subject. the subject of crime/politics/animal rights etc (=crime etc as a subject): · Until about 20 years ago, the subject of the environment was hardly discussed.on the subject (of something) (=about a particular subject): · The first book on the subject was published in 1900.· He has very little to say on the subject of the accusations made against him.change the subject (=start talking about something different): · I could see John was embarrassed, so I changed the subject.drop the subject (=to stop talking about something): · This is getting us nowhere. Let's just drop the subject, okay?
what is being talked about, or what a film, book, play etc is about: · There has been no attempt to arrange the books according to subject matter.· Sagan published a book relating to the subject matter in his TV show. · 'The People versus Larry Flynt' was given an '18' certificate because it contains adult subject matter.
a subject that people often discuss or write about, in books, newspapers, at school etc: · The rise of Islam is a popular topic these days.· Type the topic into the search field, and let the browser search all relevant sites.· Dole's absence was the topic of radio talk shows.
especially spoken something that people talk about or think about: · The first thing we have to discuss is the price.· The only thing she ever talks about is her boyfriend.· We talked about the old days and other things.
an important subject that people discuss and argue about: · We'll be looking at a broad range of important issues in this chapter.· Genetic manipulation is a fairly topical issue these days.· a book dealing with environmental issuesissue of: · the issue of drugs in sportsmajor/big/key/main issue (=a very important issue): · Global warming and youth crime are the key issues in the election campaign.
a difficult subject or problem that has often been discussed but still needs to be solved: · The real question here is how can we integrate asylum seekers into communities.· How can we best help less developed countries? That's the really important question.question of: · In the 1980s the question of whether photography was an art went to court.raise a question (=make people consider a problem): · These operations can save lives, but they raise difficult questions about animal rights.
a subject that people disagree about or are concerned about, and that needs to be considered and discussed in order to deal with it: · The matter is being argued and discussed in families up and down the country.· Foreign affairs were not the only matters we discussed.· This meeting is being held to deal with the serious matter of possible racism in our hiring practices.matter of: · The first item on the agenda today is the matter of public transportation.
an important idea that appears several times in a book, film etc, and slowly influences the way it develops: · One of the themes of the book is the relationship between people and nature.· George Eliot shows real concern for religious and moral themes. · The play's central theme is greed and its corrupting effects.
something that needs to be discussed at a business or political meeting: · Right, could we get started please? We've a lot of business to get through this morning.
British in a meeting, subjects that are not on the list of things to discuss, but that people may want to talk about: · Is there any other business before we close the meeting?
work that someone does as part of their job the things that you have to do in your job, which need time and effort: · What kind of work are you looking for?· He liked the work, and he was good at it too.do some/more etc work: · Scott's doing some work for me at the moment, as it happens.· I didn't get much work done today.· Being in the police isn't all action. Administration is a large part of the work we do.personnel/secretarial/bar etc work: · Have you ever done bar work before?· He's doing construction work these days.· It's clerical work mainly -- pretty boring.voluntary/charity work (=work that you do not get paid for): · She does two afternoons voluntary work at the playgroup. · Are you still involved in charity work?extra/more/additional work: · The last thing I want is extra work.
work that you do in your job, especially work that involves buying and selling, travelling to different places, or discussing things such as contracts with people: · I was in London last month because I had some business there.· Gerald left, saying he had some important business to attend to.· Some insurance companies offer lower rates for drivers who do not use their cars for business.· "Is this trip for business or pleasure?" "Business, I'm afraid."do business: · The paper claims to provide proof that some drug lords are doing business from their jail cells.business trip/meeting/traveller etc: · "Where's Michael?" "He's at a business meeting."· This is strictly a business trip.· Our main market is the business traveler looking for cheap overnight accommodation. on business (=for business, not pleasure): · I have to go to Tokyo next month on business.
the various things that you have to do as part of your job - used especially in contracts or other official documents: somebody's duties: · In addition to secretarial and general office work, your duties will include providing the directors with refreshments.· As soon as she returned home from her honeymoon, she resumed her medical duties at the clinic.go about/perform/fulfil duties: · A teacher can be dismissed for not performing his or her contractual duties.· She is a member of staff, and like all of us, she has duties to fulfil.· I admired him, especially because of the way he went about his duties efficiently.suspend somebody/relieve somebody from duties (=to stop them doing their job for a period of time): · Three instructors have been suspended from duties while sexual harassment charges are investigated.· Nine officers were relieved of their duties after McDuffie's death.
to be at the place where you work to be doing your job at the place where you work, especially at a factory, office etc owned by your employer: · I'm afraid Fran's not here at the moment -- he's at work.· What time do you have to be at work?· I'll tell you, I wish I had these DAT machines at work.
to be at work in a job where there must always be someone working, for example if you are a nurse or a police officer: · You can't drink while you're on duty.on duty 24 hours/from 6.00 p.m./on Mondays etc: · I'm on duty from 8 a.m. on Monday till 12 midday on Thursday.· We're on duty tonight at half past ten.
if someone goes somewhere on business , they go somewhere as part of their job, especially to another city or country: · She drives to Tijuana several times a month on business.· The family was living in the Palace Hotel in Japan because my father was there on business.· Do you travel abroad on business more than three times a year?be away on business: · With her husband frequently away on business, Berenice turns to a close friend for help and support.
if someone such as a doctor, lawyer, or engineer is on call , they can be telephoned and will work if they are needed: · Doctor Lalor won't be at the surgery this afternoon, but she's on call until midnight.· If the machine breaks down at any time, there's always a technician on call.· Construction managers must be on call to deal with emergencies. be on call 24 hours a day/3 days a week etc: · Resident managers live in hotels and are on call 24 hours a day.
to work independently and not for someone else someone who is self-employed does not have a job with one particular employer, but instead works independently and does work for many different people: · Martin is a self-employed builder.· Most fashion models are self-employed, and find work through agencies.the self-employed (=people who are self-employed): · The government gives generous tax allowances to the self-employed.
to own and manage a business, especially a small one such as a shop or restaurant: · She runs her own business, making and selling hand-knitted clothes.· It's always been Maria's ambition to have her own business.set up your own business (=begin running your own business): · People wanting to set up their own business should take expert financial advice.
working for several different organizations instead of being employed by only one - use this especially about people such as writers, designers, and photographers: freelance designer/journalist/photographer: · Jamie's trying to earn a living as a freelance photographer.freelance work/writing/photography etc: · Karen stayed at home while the children were small, and made a little money from freelance writing.
informal to work independently and not be employed by other people, and therefore be able to decide by yourself what you should do: · I'm not good at taking orders from anybody -- I prefer being my own boss.· Jim sacrificed a television career to set up in business and be his own boss.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY Meaning 1verbs The firm’s success is largely due to Brannon’s commercial acumen. Cleary has been working as a computer analyst in Winchester. The organization is using the event to drum up business (=get more work and sales). Remember, Marvin, no funny business while we’re out. The villagers were going about their business as usual. She’s thinking of going into business (=starting a business). Collecting the raw materials proved a long and laborious task. the laborious business of drying the crops What line of business is he in? He inherited a lucrative business from his father. I don’t like to mix business with pleasure (=combine business and social activities at the same time). After the security alert, most of the firms affected were open for business on Monday morning. Booksellers are keen to pitch for school business. a manager with twenty years’ experience in the retail business Buying a secondhand car is a risky business. The whole sordid affair came out in the press. She discovered the truth about his sordid past. I want to hear all the sordid details! She wanted to start her own catering business. ‘Let’s not talk politics now,’ said Hugh impatiently. Handling awkward neighbours can be a ticklish business. a multi-millionaire property tycoon
· A lot of firms are keen to do business in Japan.
formal (=do business)· It is not a sensible way to conduct business.
(=start working in business)· A lot of university graduates want to go into business.
· The bank gave me a loan to help me set up in business.
(=continue operating and not become bankrupt)· Even if they manage to stay in business for another year, their long-term survival remains under threat.· Some stores are finding it hard to stay in business.
(=stop doing business because of financial problems)· In a recession smaller firms often go out of business.
NOUN + business· He started out working in the computer business.
business + NOUN (=an occasion when you buy or sell something)· Negotiation is the most important part of a business deal.
· His wife refused to get involved in his business activities.
(=business activities, or shares in companies)· Both companies have substantial business interests in Indonesia.
(=people who work in business)· There was pressure on the government from the business community.
· You need to be flexible in today’s highly competitive business world.
(=a course of study about business)· She did business studies at college.
COMMON ERRORS ► Don’t say ‘make business’. Say do business. Meaning 2verbs· Nick owned a software business in Boston.
(=manage it)· There’s plenty of advice available on how to run your own business.
· When you’re starting a business, you have to work longer hours.
(=buy it or start running it)· When my father retired, I took over the business.
· He spent years trying to build a business in Antigua.
· She overcame many financial difficulties to establish her business.
· Making a business succeed is not simple.
(=stops operating)· 35% of small businesses fail in the first year of operation.
ADJECTIVES/NOUN + business (=that employs only a few people)· Many small businesses have been badly hit by the recession.
· They offer services to small and medium-sized businesses.
· His girlfriend runs a catering business.
(=owned and controlled by one family)· For many years the hotel was a family business.
· Kingwell had an export business in New Zealand.
· Within a few years she had established a thriving business in London.
(=one that is likely to be successful)· It soon became clear that the restaurant was not a viable business.
business + NOUN (=someone who shares a business with you)· Margie was his wife and also his business partner.
· We need to take on a business manager to deal with some of the admin.
· We’re providing our business customers with reliable, proven Internet technology.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES· Internet shopping is a rapidly developing area of business activity.
The firm’s success is largely due to Brannon’s commercial acumen.· I sent the letter to her work address.· My business address is on my card.
· After dad retired, I managed his estate and business affairs.
Cleary has been working as a computer analyst in Winchester.· Dennis had an early-morning business appointment with a client.
· the health aspects of chemical accidents· I’m not very interested in the business aspect.
· The company has branches worldwide in fifteen major business centres.
· Competition for business clients between travel companies is keen.
(=work and enjoy yourself at the same time)
· The idea has received intense interest from the business community.
(=stops doing business after losing too much money)
· The company had been conducting a lot of business in Latin America.
(=that businesses have when the economic situation is good)· The region has gained 46,000 jobs and business confidence is high.
(=customers that are businesses)· the bank’s major business customers
(=related events in business, the economy etc that repeat themselves over a certain period)· the presidential election cycle
· He lost a fortune in an unwise business deal.
· The US has been keen to encourage economic development in Egypt.
(=where there are a lot of banks and other businesses)· He works in San Francisco’s financial district.
(=buy and sell goods, or provide services)· The company does a lot of business in China.
The organization is using the event to drum up business (=get more work and sales).· His business empire is now worth over $20 billion.
· If you are setting up your own business enterprise, your bank can help.
· The union represents people who work in the entertainment industry.
· In today’s fast-moving business environment, companies must be flexible.
(=the moral rules relating to a particular profession) public concern about medical ethics a code of ethics
public concern about medical ethics a code of ethics· These new measures could limit business expansion.
· The president receives an unspecified allowance for business and entertainment expenses.
(=skill at operating a business or company)· The company took him on for his business expertise.
(=one run by members of a family)· My parents expected me to join the family business.
Remember, Marvin, no funny business while we’re out. The villagers were going about their business as usual. She’s thinking of going into business (=starting a business).· I have faith in your business instinct.
Collecting the raw materials proved a long and laborious task. the laborious business of drying the crops· Business leaders welcomed a cut in the interest rate.
· In business letters you often use phrases such as ‘I would be grateful if ...’.
What line of business is he in? (=money lent to a business)· The bank offers a range of business loans to meet the needs of small businesses.
He inherited a lucrative business from his father. (=a lunch during which you also do business)· She was having a business lunch with a customer.
· He had to go into town for a business meeting.
I don’t like to mix business with pleasure (=combine business and social activities at the same time).· We have made good progress towards meeting our business objectives.
After the security alert, most of the firms affected were open for business on Monday morning. (=people who work or are involved in the theatre etc) The hotel was full of business people.
The hotel was full of business people.· I think it was a good thing to do, from a business perspective.
Booksellers are keen to pitch for school business.· We’ve developed a business plan to take over the company.
· From a financial point of view, the concert was a disaster.
· Does this mean you’ve changed your mind about my business proposition?
· About one in five of all trips are made for business purposes.
· Both companies want to continue their business relationship into the future.
a manager with twenty years’ experience in the retail business Buying a secondhand car is a risky business. (=particular part of a newspaper)
(=an ability to make good decisions in business)· Few young people have much business sense.
· Geller handles the business side of things.
· He has been training people in the use of business software since 1983.
The whole sordid affair came out in the press. She discovered the truth about his sordid past. I want to hear all the sordid details! She wanted to start her own catering business.· This is a high-risk business strategy.
(=study a subject at a school or university) Anna is studying French literature.
Anna is studying French literature. ‘Let’s not talk politics now,’ said Hugh impatiently. Handling awkward neighbours can be a ticklish business. British English (=look for customers) Minicab drivers are not allowed to tout for business.
Minicab drivers are not allowed to tout for business.· Business travel often took him away from his family.
· I’m on a business trip with my boss.
a multi-millionaire property tycoon· Nenna told them that she had urgent business on the other side of London.
· The hotel caters mainly to business users.
· He turned the farm into a viable business.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE· It is rare for any big business to take initiatives like that on its own.· Nevertheless, in I978 on Wall Street it was flaky to think that home mortgages could be big business.· Ocean racing is big business involving vast amounts of money.· This is big business, after all.· By the beginning of the present decade tourism was very big business indeed.· Some will resign from big business and devote themselves to turning an idea or hobby into a business of their own.· We are probably also acquainted with examples where local and national government, large and big business impinge on the local community.· The city was quickly becoming a center of big money and business, both legal and illegal.
· It's hoped that more cameras will be installed, financed by local businesses.· A silent auction featured many items donated by local businesses.· They would co-ordinate the work of government and council agencies, local businesses, churches and voluntary groups.· By breaking through regulatory barriers, it is seeking to enter the local telephone business.· Second, local firms paid business rates on their property.· It does no harm to write to the nearest local residents and businesses, but generally this is a long shot.· All the students are undertaking work placements in local businesses one day a week for 12 weeks.
· The Conference Board, a New York-based business research group, held a major diversity conference this spring.· Or a trade may be used not to do new business, but to transfer a credit balance between accounts.· He explained his plans for his new business.· Our recent run of outstanding new business figures will continue to provide a growing quality earnings stream for many years to come.· In July, Lloyds Abbey Life posted first-half new business figures that were better than many of its competitors.· All new businesses have to spend heavily to establish themselves.· Any new business venture takes time to establish.-Sufficient working capital to survive.
· Government is a serious business, and his Liberal Democrats are in no way ready for it.· It is easy to laugh, but it is serious business.· Buying a home, although a serious business, can be straight forward, even fun.· For them the climb was a serious business.· But it would not be polite to get down to such serious business as soon as the chief appeared.· Quality is a serious and difficult business.· Save yourself for the serious business of eating. 7 Treat alcohol with care.· At the networks, a rigid line separated news from entertainment; news was considered serious and important business.
· As a result of the research, it was clear that there was some discrimination against small businesses in West Belfast.· But it also is threatening the livelihoods of many small business operators in San Diego and elsewhere.· After a short while he identified a small bacon-curing business that he felt was worth investing in.· According to Cox, nearly one job is lost among subcontractors and small service businesses for every manufacturing job that goes away.· I understand why the Government have maintained an exemption for small businesses, for which survival is of the essence.· He runs City Hall like a small family business and keeps everybody on a short rein.· This may help to explain the difficulty faced in involving small businesses in partnership activities.· Frequently neither of these strategies will be practical for smaller businesses.
· The whole business of eating out in restaurants she considered a worryingly overrated activity.· Up to now, Vyner has been joint managing director of the whole business, along with David Quarmby.· This turnabout is affecting the whole ski business in Britain, not least the magazines.· I can understand why the whole phlogiston business would have been thought less than important in practical terms.· How you must hate this whole business!· I was so focused on setting the business up, I forgot I was a key to the whole business.· It's the end of the whole business.· The whole business with what happened to the baseball cards.
NOUN· The only stipulation is that the topic must have some relationship to business activity or current affairs.· These relate to her previous business activities in the gas industry, which she now says she is reforming.· Other business activity also is stirring on the commercial half of the 60-acre Town Center site, Malone said.· These total plans are made up from the individual plans of every business activity of the corporation.· Selling an invention, or even suppressing one, is quite as legal as your own business activities.· Floirat is survived by a daughter and a grandson, who has assumed some of his business activities.· Advocates argue that the absence of burdensome regulatory restrictions would stimulate new business activity.
· Some members of the government and the business community are sceptical regarding the act's real benefits to the country.· Neighborhood leaders remembered other times the white business community pursued its dreams without regard for the people who lived nearby.· Performance is relatively easy to measure and understand in the business community.· But opposition from the business community to increasing the minimum wage is already in place.· But last night a spokesman for the Portadown business community pledged that life would go on despite the outrage.· Meanwhile, however, the business community has come out four-square behind the reforms.· We want an agreement that promotes business and does not impose burdens or barriers upon the business community.· It is thus far the most widely accepted approach in the business community.
· Our strategy is to focus all our resources on the two core businesses of spirits and beers.· PSINet has said it wants to pare back to its core business of providing Internet access to business.· Astra makes more sense as a public company than the Salim Group, mainly because its core businesses are obvious and integrated.· Additionally, entire segments of some companies will be eliminated as companies identify and refocus on their core business.· The supermarkets then found that they could charge bigger margins on goods that were peripheral to their core business, processed foods.· One of its core businesses was renting telephones.· Meeting customer needs' Unlike many of our competitors, the provision of credit information has always been our core business.· The findings indicate why groups such as the Pearl are finding it heavy going in their core business activity.
· Negotiation is at the heart of all big business deals and even the little ones too.· In February 1994, the investigation was broadened to other Symington business deals.· With a contented sigh, he lost himself in a colourful reverie of big business deals and boardroom power games.· I would not borrow money for a business deal even if it might be profitable.· A chance, too, perhaps, to sort out the business deal they had talked about last week.· Clarisa had told me her father was upset because some one had cheated him on a business deal.· Though his early death traumatised Pierre, his shrewd business deals secured the family a $ 1m fortune.· The Clintons have taken a terrible pounding for their ethics, their business deals, their often-unfortunate choice of allies.
· The company will maintain a strategic manufacturing agreement with the startup and joint business development arrangements.· Matthew Lutz, 61, vice chairman and business development manager of Magnum, who held a similar position with Hunter.· The business development function is one way to increase a company's ability to seize opportunities.· Quarmby will now be responsible for business development and managing director of group services, coordinating services to all group companies.· Managers can gauge the clarity of focus in a business development group by carrying out a simple exercise.· They found their champion in Wayne Rowley, who was then the director of new business development for the chamber.· If your business card says business development, what should you do all day?· From that site, the company said, it will also manage worldwide drug regulatory affairs, business development and international marketing.
· This poses a conundrum for businesses leaders wanting to take advantage of, for example, the Research and Development tax credit.· Consider the last time up-and-coming business leaders from the Young Presidents Organization made a group trip here.· Falun Gong's decision to stage demonstrations here has created a vexing dilemma for Hong Kong officials and business leaders.· The list profiled 30 online business-to-business leaders.· This is a favorite of politicians, business leaders and teacher conference speakers.· The business leaders wanted the state to loosen its purse strings and give the schools' budgets a healthy boost.· They include members of Congress, mayors, governors, community leaders, business leaders and reporters.
· Strip away the insincerity and the hype from the music business and see it for what it is, a jungle.· Competitions are the fast food of the music business.· Actually he hates the music business, and that whole London scene.· So I got out of the music business for ten years.· The rest of the Condemned were still nonentities, the clerks and Civil Servants of the music business.· Solowka thinks Charman was unnaturally suspicious of anyone connected with the music business.· It is as much a part of the music business as a 12-inch re-mix.
· Why do the Government not act on the huge injustices currently affecting business people, such as original lessee liability?· The hubbub in the reception area was considerable among the gathering of journalists, show business people, and golfers.· There are more business people and other professionals, homemakers and clergy in the Lone Star brigade.· As always with such radical experiments, business people feared for their prosperity, equating passing traffic with increased turnover.· Ubeunon priests, business people, journalists: Whatever our intentions, we were all enmeshed in the system.· They must operate on a good deal less than total information; 70 percent is considered high availability for business people.· In this sense, the global Journal levels the business playing field between business people in Peoria and Pretoria.
· Applicants are attached to a voluntary business advisor in their own area who will assist them with their initial business plan.· Avon was compulsively focused on long-term business plans.· The company's five-year business plan includes publishing their own partworks while continuing to package continuity series and books.· Each would prepare a business plan that included sales projections, budget requirements, and net profitability.· Highly confidential and sensitive matters - such as business plans, projections or formulae - which must not be used.· Never forget that profit is the goal of a good business plan.· It expects to present a new business plan to its board by the end of the month.· Understanding these potential dangers will help you prepare your business plan and stick to it.
· The business schools are unanimous that, under the e-froth, something fundamental is changing.· Even the business schools are coming around to that point of view.· Establish which is the best business school in the country and hire its best professor at double his or her current salary.· After all, its merits were preached by our business schools for several decades.· Robin Smith has been appointed head of postgraduate programmes at Newcastle Polytechnic's business school.· For instance, most of our business schools talk a good game when it comes to globalization.· The biggest problems business schools have are their experts.· That would be akin to the business school model of giving away the razor while charging for the blades.
· In what ways are the changes related to changes in the company's business strategy? 10.· She also will play an important role in organizational and leadership development and in developing Verio's business strategy.· Clarification of issues such as these should be of great significance to both business strategy and government policy.· Should your management bet the company on a high-risk business strategy?· Instead they are supposed to discuss future business strategy.· Newbridge officials said they are working out a business strategy with their prospective partner, whom they declined to name.· Managers would do better to think of just two kinds of business strategy - competitive and corporate.· What is the role of your work group in helping your company to implement its business strategy? 9.
· In business studies there were generally six or so applicants for each place.· Plans exist to extend the list of short courses to business studies, geography, history, media studies and home economics.· In due course I left Varndean and went to do business studies at Sussex University.· College had been a first degree in law at Berkeley followed by a year at Columbia in New York doing business studies.
· He was on a business trip to California.· Scheduled an out-of-town business trip.· We're over here on a business trip.· One afternoon I got home from a business trip, and the first thing I did was check my voice mail.· The letter would reach him on his business trip.· Eugene had brought the map back after a business trip, and Wyatt had promptly memorized many of the stops.· A school visit to the Ashmolean and a business trip to Morris Motors comprised his entire experience of the city.· He set off on a business trip.
· Love quickly became an important figure in the business world.· Since joining the business world I have seen similar techniques evoke similarly successful results.· A further clue may lie in the interpretation of accountability in the business world.· And he has learned he still needs to go out to lunch occasionally, just to feel part of the business world.· On a parallel track, the business world is well catered for with several compatible products on the two systems.· One of your greatest challenges is to make sure you are still at the heart of the business world.· Good shape despite the dire forecasts still being made by much of the business world?· When you get an office, you will be located in a business world.
VERB· According to press reports, Dounreay is attempting to build up its foreign business to £25 million.· She built her future business on the strength of that first success.· Verisign has already built a tidy business selling two types of digital signatures: personal and site certificates.· Yet many would-be entrepreneurs are often shocked when they discover the importance marketing has assumed-in building any new business.· Through word of mouth and demand from customers, they've built up a sizable business with five drivers.· Today, we have built a very successful business.· Maybe such positions should be accepted as part of the price for building global businesses.· Rocco Forte will concentrate and focus on building the businesses.
· A company owned and run by Mr and Mrs Bunch carried on the business of purchase and resale of bulk butter.· The international air corridors are filled with jumbo jets carrying tourists, business people, airline personnel and others.· You are carrying on a business if you sell or barter any of the livestock or their produce.· If you had left well alone and let me carry on my business I wouldn't be here.· Banks carrying on offshore banking business in Labuan are not subject to exchange controls.· Fernando Serra could make all the threats he liked but he couldn't stop her carrying on her business.· Generally you have two choices: where your debtor lives or carries on his business, or where the debt was incurred.· The smaller parish or community council may prefer to carry out all business through the full council instead of appointing committees.
· We did our business plans based on 50 per cent.· But it reopened after a state judge ruled this month that the cooperative could do business under the tenets of Proposition 215.· I was usually out working when he did his business each morning.· To what degree does big business prevail in our economy?· The family did well when the business was sold to U. S. Steel.· Dooley made popcorn, and Barnabas did his business at the hedge with great expediency.· Good Housekeeping magazine seal of approval that makes it easier for countries to borrow and do business abroad.· California is a difficult place in which to do business.
· His life had been well-ordered and reasonably happy, he thought, by minding his own business.· I want you all to put that damn thing out now and go on home and mind your own business.· I asked her if he'd returned home and she told me to mind my own business.· Folks in Montana tend to value their privacy, to the point that minding your own business is considered a virtue.· She hoped he didn't interpret them as telling him to mind his own business.· Running out of time, minding its own business, looking the other way.· It's a bit disconcerting to be minding your own business.· When it comes to minding their own business, Montanans are of a like mind.
· If you work as a sales assistant, but dream of owning your own business, what are you doing about it?· They have to think like a businessman; act like they own the business in the way they run it.· It can be traced back to nineteenth-century philanthropists like the early socialist entrepreneur Robert Owen and various Quaker-owned businesses.· It is a form of business organization wherein two or more individuals agree to own and operate a business.· Today, his family owns 47% of the business.· Some believe Proposition 209 has had a paralyzing effect on women-and minority-owned businesses.· About ten thousand people were moved out, not counting the ones who owned small businesses along the edge.· There are distributors who own their own businesses and employees who work in our offices and plants around the world.
· You simply buy the rights to run a known-name business.· Verio will also provide customers with a comprehensive range of productivity-enhancing managed services needed to run their online business effectively.· She runs a natural therapy business in nearby Brereton Heath.· They almost ran him out of business, until the old man began training Malays to do the work.· Although he ostensibly ran his own business, all of his assets were fully encumbered.· Colchester Business Enterprise Agency 0206-48833: free advice for those starting or running their own business, courses and workshops.· In most cases these people will have no training in the financial or legal implications of running a business for profit.
· The development of pub retailing has shown a corrective instinct for seeking to set a purpose built business in the right location.· I worked with him for some time before we left to set up our business.· But it is Michael Jackson's deal which may set precedents the music business will later regret.· I was so focused on setting the business up, I forgot I was a key to the whole business.· After finishing his apprenticeship he set up a business with this uncle, but it failed.· It will also have learned a few lessons in how not to go about setting up a business.· In 1862 Smith set up in business on his own account.· In 1820, with a growing family, he decided to set up his own business.
· You're just starting your farming business.· Like many entrepreneurs on a shoestring, they are attempting to start a business while they continue to work full-time jobs.· But we can't start the serious business until the brandy arrives.· Dave and Marge reached their goal by starting a business that could prosper anywhere, small town or large.· Should I go out on my own and start a business, or would the insecurity be unbearable?· I was working the swing shift when Albert White said he knew a guy that was going to start a newspaper business.· John started up in business again.· For years, Kim Gerlich has tried to coax her parents and her husband into starting a family business.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► have no business doing something/have no business to do something► and all that businessPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► have a (good) head for figures/facts/business etc
1buying or selling goods or services [uncountable] the activity of making money by producing or buying and selling goods, or providing services: - But most analysts agree that many health insurance companies would be driven out of business.
- Farmers and ranchers are still going out of business on the plains today.
- If they were not, bird-watching and natural history museums would each go out of business.
- It was assumed that I might well put a customer or two out of business.
- Now that the war was over the Navy was, in effect, out of business, and it sought repossession.
- Rather, the independent-minded newspapers believe that the government now wants to drive them out of business.
- The advisory council goes out of business now, having delivered its long-awaited report.
- The league was out of business after three seasons.
- After appearing to be in terminal decline the monarchy is back in business.
- By the summer of 1992 the dress patrols were back in business.
- Last week, Peron was back in business, with a few cosmetic changes.
- Male speaker We're setting up in another hangar and hope to be back in business soon.
- Nice to see Dave Hill's barber is back in business.
- Stop Press: Liverpool is back in business.
- The company was back in business.
- The Cumberland Tavern - now under new management - is back in business as a rock venue.
- I was just walking along, minding my own business, when this guy ran straight into me.
- The street was filled with ordinary people going about their business.
- He was indifferent to the attention he received, calmly going about his business, never using his influence to manipulate others.
- Normally it went about its business either on foot or in an arabeah, the horse-drawn cab distinctive to the city.
- Sara went about her business, more troubled than ever about Jenny's imminent arrival.
- The 49ers are counting on Deese to epitomize that professionalism as he goes about his business with Smith.
- They went about their business, expecting him to appear at any moment.
- While Deion Sanders received most of the pre-game ballyhoo, his bookend Brown went about his business with little or no fanfare.
- Yesterday, as the group of pickers went about their business, police said there had been no further incidents.
- You have to laugh about it and go about your business.
- Ruth made it her business to get to know the customers.
- But before you leave I suggest that you make it your business to find out.
- I made it my business to be there at dinner the following day.
- I make it my business to acquaint myself with where objects properly belong in a house.
- Increasingly, companies are making it their business to develop programs for serving both the worker and the bottom line.
- Quinn knew this because he had made it his business to know such things.
- She made it her business to find out.
- These villagers - of course they would make it their business to know anyone who was rich and whose father lived so near!
- They made it their business to worm a curl of something out of you.
- And to prove we mean business, our members will stage a one-day strike next week.
- Firm action would show both sides that the EU and the UN really meant business.
- The man had a gun. It was obvious he meant business.
- But as the oil men realised that we meant business, seizures began to drop.
- But when it bites, it means business.
- For one local company it's meant business taking off like a rocket.
- One of the quintet not only means business but high-minded, selfless business.
- They looked as though they meant business.
- This does not necessarily mean businesses must avoid all such one-of-a-kinds whatever their nature.
- Those boys knew we meant business.
- Zhou had discarded his usual severe tunic for a gray Western business suit, and he meant business.
- Each of these women had left some unfinished business.
- However, during our hand-over General Churchill mentioned one piece of unfinished business.
- Obon is for closing off unfinished business, for restoring bonds, for healing and remembering.
- One bit of unfinished business was to obtain for Joe the Legion of Merit award.
- Seeing their own children in their teens may bring their own adolescence forcibly to mind, along with its unfinished business.
- Then he would be up and about, able to apply himself to unfinished business.
- There was definitely some unfinished business between the two of them, but he was extremely tired.
- Those people that you have unfinished business with.
- For these guys, business is business and worker safety is not important.
- But business is business wherever you are.
- However, business is business and pleasure is pleasure.
- Despite the fire damage, it's business as usual at the barber shop.
- Back in Los Angeles it was business as usual.
- How could they proceed with business as usual?
- It will soon be back to business as usual.
- So it was business as usual.
- The next day was business as usual.
- This change has involved more than just mixing up kids and carrying on business as usual.
- This is more than dictatorial business as usual.
- We need to be clear that, if Bush defeats Al Gore, there will no longer be business as usual.
- Labour may not be in the business of re-connecting with the past, but its attachment to the future is still confused.
- A company owned and run by Mr and Mrs Bunch carried on the business of purchase and resale of bulk butter.
- He ran the business part time until last January.
- If the receipt is distributed to shareholders as dividends then the capital base of the business has been eroded.
- In the business world, it is felt that this is the degree of flexibility that is required.
- Melrose Petroleum is the general partner and manages the business.
- Richard Sackville of Buckhurst, in the business of making shot, was a major landowner with 200 marks a year.
- The business is effectively recession proof, if anything it probably does better when times are hard.
- The proceeds will be used to fund research and development and to expand the business.
- Come on you Reds and do the business for the supporters because they will be giving it everything for you!
- Don't drink water - fish do the business in it.
- If your regular antagonist has a Chaos army and favours daemons then a Daemonslayer will do the business very nicely.
- Inclined to be an unpredictable live outing, the Veggies do the business with an energising blur of Neds-ish guitar fodder.
- Now they appear to be looking to a Second Division centre forward to do the business.
- O'Connor will have that task and can do the business if on his game.
- They like the game of golf as much as they do the business of golf.
- Unfortunately, despite the commercial ban, whales are not being politely left alone to do the business.
- I have finger paints and paper for the kids, so we're in business.
- In all the twenty years I've been in business this is the worst period I've seen for sales.
- The insurance companies are in business to make money, not waste it.
- When I qualified I set up in business as a financial consultant.
- A few minutes later, a wall of water crashed over the lip of the Falls and Niagara was in business again.
- I found three trowels in the market, and we were in business.
- Jack knows talent when he sees it, and pretty soon the two are in business together.
- Now both his parents are in business.
- Solicitors and barristers in private practice are in business and must make a profit to survive.
- Talk with people you know who are in business and ask them to introduce you to their accountants.
- You are in business, and you are missing a great business opportunity.
- the business end of a gun
- But it was at the business end where the main difference lay.
- Her hair, left to its own devices to dry, looked like the business end of a witch's broom.
- Additionally, entire segments of some companies will be eliminated as companies identify and refocus on their core business.
- But the single most reliable route to growth is probably to sell off everything but the core business.
- In all its acquisitions, Guinness has sought business opportunities that have enhanced and strengthened its core activities.
- None was big enough to become the core business of the company, Ousley says.
- Our strategy is to focus all our resources on the two core businesses of spirits and beers.
- This meant it could concentrate on two core businesses - security printing and heating and bathroom products.
- To maintain a high quality exploration portfolio focusing on core business areas and under-explored prospective basins.
- Will it be able to manage an acquisition outside its core business -- one in no need of fixing?
- Also the day-to-day work of schools and the task of assessing pupils assumed a higher importance than the development of new curriculum.
- But since the arrival of Robins, he has taken a backseat role with day-to-day business being handled by the new chairman.
- Directors were given the exclusive right to manage the day-to-day business of the company.
- In our day-to-day lives, including day-to-day scientific lives, we have little need of such confirmed hypotheses.
- It also recognises that day-to-day business and executive authority is vested in line management.
- Justices, of course, are accustomed, as part of their day-to-day work, to assessing costs of comparatively small amounts.
- The problem arises because there is nothing in our day-to-day life to provide us with sufficient exercise.
- While with the Chargers for the past two years, McNeely oversaw the day-to-day business operations.
- A private parking garage in one building has lost business.
- Damaged stock means lost sales, and lost sales mean less profit.
- Foot-and-mouth has already cost £51million in lost sales of livestock.
- It's thought to have cost the Dickens and Jones department store £100,000 in lost business.
- It was estimated that the disruption cost retailers around £5m in lost sales.
- When Bogdanov refused, Mr Goddard said he intended to charge the company at least £1,650 to cover lost sales.
- But as the oil men realised that we meant business, seizures began to drop.
- But when it bites, it means business.
- For one local company it's meant business taking off like a rocket.
- One of the quintet not only means business but high-minded, selfless business.
- They looked as though they meant business.
- This does not necessarily mean businesses must avoid all such one-of-a-kinds whatever their nature.
- Those boys knew we meant business.
- Zhou had discarded his usual severe tunic for a gray Western business suit, and he meant business.
- I wish you'd stop interfering and mind your own business.
- Folks in Montana tend to value their privacy, to the point that minding your own business is considered a virtue.
- He also fired his lawyer and told civil libertarians to mind their own business.
- He had not minded his own business as a man of seventy in New York should do.
- His life had been well-ordered and reasonably happy, he thought, by minding his own business.
- I asked her if he'd returned home and she told me to mind my own business.
- I was minding my own business, sleeping, when I heard something.
- She hoped he didn't interpret them as telling him to mind his own business.
- Then I felt a fool and decided to leave it and mind my own business.
- I was minding my own business, sleeping, when I heard something.
- It's a bit disconcerting to be minding your own business.
- The proposal had become the victim of political monkey business and deceit.
- People are buying Internet stocks like nobody's business.
- As a consequence, greater emphasis has been placed upon encouraging locally-based regeneration, and especially upon a revival of small firms.
- But it also is threatening the livelihoods of many small business operators in San Diego and elsewhere.
- Confiscatory taxes and overly complex tax regulations make it exceedingly difficult for small business to perform this basic function.
- On March 19 it passed a regulatory reform bill, which is intended to lighten the weight of government on small businesses.
- Paid holidays are 25 percent fewer in small firms and only half of this allowance is actually taken.
- The company also has expanded its offerings to help large and small businesses use the Internet and private computer networks.
- The Northern arm currently caters to the needs of more than 1,000 small businesses.
- The people believed, and many of them were putting money into improving their homes, modernizing their small businesses.
- Each of these women had left some unfinished business.
- However, during our hand-over General Churchill mentioned one piece of unfinished business.
- Obon is for closing off unfinished business, for restoring bonds, for healing and remembering.
- One bit of unfinished business was to obtain for Joe the Legion of Merit award.
- Seeing their own children in their teens may bring their own adolescence forcibly to mind, along with its unfinished business.
- Then he would be up and about, able to apply himself to unfinished business.
- There was definitely some unfinished business between the two of them, but he was extremely tired.
- Those people that you have unfinished business with.
- The walk-in centre is the result of two years' struggle by an international group of scientists to realise an ideal.
Students on the course learn about all aspects of business. Carl began in the music business by running a recording studio. We do business with a number of Italian companies. He has a wide range of business interests.GRAMMARDon’t use ‘the business’ when talking in general about the activity of making money. You say: · Tourism is good for business. ✗Don’t say: Tourism is good for the business.Grammar guide ‒ NOUNS2company [countable] an organization such as a company, shop, or factory that produces or sells goods or provides a service: She now has her own $25 million home-shopping business. They don’t know how to run a business. The company began as a small family business.► see thesaurus at company3how much work a company has [uncountable] the amount of work a company does or the amount of money it makes: We’re now doing twice as much business as we did last year. Exports account for 72% of overall business.business is good/bad/slow etc Business is slow during the summer.drum up business (=try to get more work for you or your company) Perot was in Europe, drumming up business for his new investment company.4for your job [uncountable] work that you do as part of your job: She’s in New York this week on business (=for her work). Hi Maggie! Is this phone call business or pleasure?business trip/meeting etc We discussed the idea over a business lunch. useful business contacts5what someone should be involved in [uncountable] a)if something is not your business or none of your business, you should not be involved in it or ask about it: It was not her business, she decided, to ask where the money came from. It’s none of your business how much I weigh. ‘Who’s that girl you were with?’ ‘Mind your own business (=Don’t ask questions about something that does not concern you)!’ ‘Are you going out with Kate tonight?’ ‘That’s my business (=it doesn’t concern you, so don’t ask me questions about it)’. b)if it is someone’s business to do something, it is their duty or responsibility to do itit is the business of somebody to do something It is the business of government to listen to the various groups within society.6things to be dealt with [uncountable] things that need to be done or discussed: Okay, let’s get down to business (=start doing or discussing something). ‘Is there any other business?’ the chairman asked.7matter [singular] a situation or activity, especially one that you have a particular opinion about or attitude towardsa serious/strange/funny etc business Leon regards keeping fit as a serious business. Tanya found the whole business ridiculous.8be in business a)to be involved in business activities: The company has been in business for over 30 years. b)spoken to have all that you need to start doing something: I’ve just got to buy the paint and then we’re in business.9(go) out of business if a company goes out of business, or something puts it out of business, it stops operating, especially because of financial problems: Higher interest rates will drive small firms out of business.10be back in business to be working or operating in a normal way again: The band are back in business after a long break.11somebody was (just) minding their own business spoken used to say that someone was not doing anything unusual or wrong at the time when something unfair or bad happened to them: I was driving along, minding my own business, when the police stopped my car.12go about your business to do the things that you normally do: The street was full of ordinary people going about their business.13make it your business to do something to make a special effort to do something: Ruth made it her business to get to know the customers.14mean business informal to be serious about doing something even if it involves harming someone: The border is guarded by troops who mean business.15unfinished business something you need to discuss further with someone or a situation that has not yet reached a satisfactory solution: The sudden death of a loved one can often leave the bereaved with an agonising sense of unfinished business.16business is business spoken used to say that profit is the most important thing to consider: We can’t afford to employ someone who isn’t good at the job – business is business.17business as usual when someone or something is still working or operating normally when you think they might not be: Despite last night’s scare, it was business as usual in the White House today.18have no business doing something/have no business to do something to do something you should not be doing: He was drunk and had no business driving.19not be in the business of doing something to not be intending to do something because you think it is a bad idea: I’m not in the business of selling my best players.20and all that business spoken informal and other things of the same general kind: She handles the publicity and all that business.21(it’s) the business British English informal used to say that something is very good or works well: Have you seen David’s new car? It’s the business!22do the business British English informal a)to do what you are expected to do or what people want you to do: Come on, then, and do the business. b)to have sex → big business, → funny business at funny(3), → like nobody’s business at nobody1(2), → monkey business at monkey1(3), → show businessCOLLOCATIONS– Meaning 1verbsdo business· A lot of firms are keen to do business in Japan.conduct business formal (=do business)· It is not a sensible way to conduct business.go into business (=start working in business)· A lot of university graduates want to go into business.set up/start up in business· The bank gave me a loan to help me set up in business.stay in business (=continue operating and not become bankrupt)· Even if they manage to stay in business for another year, their long-term survival remains under threat.· Some stores are finding it hard to stay in business.go out of business (=stop doing business because of financial problems)· In a recession smaller firms often go out of business.NOUN + businessthe music/entertainment/computer etc business· He started out working in the computer business.business + NOUNa business deal (=an occasion when you buy or sell something)· Negotiation is the most important part of a business deal.business activities· His wife refused to get involved in his business activities.business interests (=business activities, or shares in companies)· Both companies have substantial business interests in Indonesia.the business community (=people who work in business)· There was pressure on the government from the business community.the business world· You need to be flexible in today’s highly competitive business world.business studies (=a course of study about business)· She did business studies at college.COMMON ERRORS ► Don’t say ‘make business’. Say do business.COLLOCATIONS– Meaning 2verbshave/own a business· Nick owned a software business in Boston.run a business (=manage it)· There’s plenty of advice available on how to run your own business.start/set up a business· When you’re starting a business, you have to work longer hours.take over a business (=buy it or start running it)· When my father retired, I took over the business.build (up)/develop a business· He spent years trying to build a business in Antigua.establish a business· She overcame many financial difficulties to establish her business.a business succeeds· Making a business succeed is not simple.a business collapses/fails (=stops operating)· 35% of small businesses fail in the first year of operation.ADJECTIVES/NOUN + businessa small business (=that employs only a few people)· Many small businesses have been badly hit by the recession.a medium-sized business· They offer services to small and medium-sized businesses.a software/catering/construction etc business· His girlfriend runs a catering business.a family business (=owned and controlled by one family)· For many years the hotel was a family business.an import/export business· Kingwell had an export business in New Zealand.a successful/profitable/thriving business· Within a few years she had established a thriving business in London.a viable business (=one that is likely to be successful)· It soon became clear that the restaurant was not a viable business.business + NOUNa business partner (=someone who shares a business with you)· Margie was his wife and also his business partner.a business manager· We need to take on a business manager to deal with some of the admin.a business customer/client· We’re providing our business customers with reliable, proven Internet technology.THESAURUSbusiness the activity of making money by producing, buying, or selling goods, or providing services: · Business in Europe has been badly affected by economic conditions in the US.· He works in the advertising business.trade the buying and selling of goods and services, especially between countries: · Trade between European countries became easier after the introduction of the Euro.· a trade agreementcommerce the buying and selling of goods and services. Commerce is more formal than business, and is used when talking about business activities in general: · One of the roles of the federal government is to regulate commerce.· London became a great centre of commerce.· the local chamber of commerce (=an organization which the companies and shops in an area belong to)e-commerce the buying and selling of goods and services on the Internet: · E-commerce is a fast-growing part of the US economy.- Mickey Mouse Club
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