# nothing doing

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/nothing-doing
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Absolutely not; definitely no.

## Examples

- I asked to borrow his car, but he said nothing doing.
- I tried to convince my boss to give me the day off, but it was nothing doing.
- Despite her persistent pleas for a higher salary, the manager remained firm and told her nothing doing.

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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.