be in the business of — to have a particular occupation, activity, or purpose as one's regular business or specialty
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to have a particular occupation, activity, or purpose as one's regular business or specialty
Pronunciation (IPA): /bi ɪn ðə ˈbɪznəs ʌv/
Example Sentences
- I'm not in the business of making promises I can't keep, but I can promise you free pizza today!
- This bakery is in the business of making people gain weight happily.
- As a teacher, I am in the business of changing lives, one lesson at a time.
be in the business of
VERB[/bi ɪn ðə ˈbɪznəs ʌv/]
to have a particular occupation, activity, or purpose as one's regular business or specialty

This bakery is in the business of making mornings brighter with fresh bread.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This phrase derives from the noun 'business', which evolved from Old English 'bisig' (busy) combined with the suffix '-ness' (state or condition). Originally denoting 'busyness' or 'anxiety' in Middle English, the term gradually shifted to mean 'occupation' or 'trade', and by the early modern period solidified into its current sense of 'commercial enterprise' or 'profession'.
Breakdown
be (exist) + in (preposition indicating position/location) + the business (noun phrase) + of (preposition indicating relationship/domain). The idiom combines these elements to mean 'to be engaged in or professionally involved in a particular activity or field'.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“I'm not in the business of making promises I can't keep, but I can promise you free pizza today!”
“This bakery is in the business of making people gain weight happily.”
“As a teacher, I am in the business of changing lives, one lesson at a time.”
“We are not in the business of losing customers; we're in the business of creating loyal fans.”
“My cat seems to be in the business of knocking things off the table all day.”
📚Related Words
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