the business

1. Verbal abuse, scolding, or teasing; also, a beating. For example, At boarding school new kids always get the business , or The boxer faked and then gave his opponent the business . [ Slang ; c. 1940]

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

3. Dismissal from work or jilting, as in Once the new management takes over I'm sure to get the business , or Dorothy gave him the business and married someone else . [ Slang ; c. 1940]

Example Sentences

Based in Bristol, the business has developed a filter for washing machines removing the greatest cause of microplastics in our oceans.

From BBC

It's lost customers during the week and it doesn't get orders to deliver to the gates of the steelworks, but changes mean the business is still getting by.

From BBC

Scottish beer giant Brewdog has announced job cuts across the business after posting a £37m loss last year.

From BBC

Chief executive James Taylor told staff that a difficult decision had been made to "right-size" parts of the business.

From BBC

He added: "We don't take these decisions lightly, but we are confident that the steps we're taking now will help us operate more simply, stay focused, and drive the business forward."

From BBC

Related Words

• assassination 
• bloodshed 
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• manslaughter 
• massacre 
• shooting www.thesaurus.com
• slaying www.thesaurus.com
• terrorism