nothing doing


nothing doing

Under no circumstances; I will not permit it; absolutely not. A: "Mom, can I borrow the car this Saturday?" B: "After the dent you left in it the last time? Nothing doing!"See also: nothing

Nothing doing!

Inf. I will not permit it!; I will not participate in it! John: Can I put this box in your suitcase? Bill: Nothing doing! It's too heavy now. Sue: We decided that you should drive us to the airport. Do you mind? Jane: Nothing doing! I've got work to do.See also: nothing

nothing doing

Certainly not, as in Can I borrow your down coat?-Nothing doing. This colloquial interjection was first recorded in 1910. Also see, no dice. See also: nothing

nothing doing

1 there is no prospect of success or agreement. 2 nothing is happening. informalSee also: nothing

ˌnothing ˈdoing

(informal) used to refuse a request: ‘Can you lend me ten dollars?’ ‘Nothing doing!’See also: nothing

Nothing doing!

exclam. No!; I refused to do it! Me, go to the opera? Nothing doing! See also: nothing

nothing doing

Informal Certainly not.See also: nothing

nothing doing

Absolutely not. This response to a request, suggestion, or statement of something one considers untrue dates from the late 1800s. People used it on June 22, 1947: “It was suggested that she should come incognito. Nothing doing.” Also see not on your life, and, for a more recent expression of denial or refusal, no way.See also: nothing