# get down to business

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/get-down-to-business
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To commit oneself to a task or activity that is employment-related or that requires serious effort or concentration.

## Examples

- The meeting is starting, so let's get down to business.
- After a few minutes of small talk, the manager cleared her throat and told the team it was time to get down to business.
- Once the initial pleasantries were exchanged and the coffee was poured, the committee members finally got down to business to address the urgent financial crisis.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.