Business is business

phrase

Used to say that in business things must be done that might not be liked, but have to be accepted because they are part of running a successful business.

He might be my friend, but when it comes to money matters, business is business.
Visual representation of "business is business" - Used to say that in business things must be done that might not be liked, but have to be accepted because they are part of running a successful business.

Often appears as...

  • business is business
  • nothing personal

Usage tips

Idiomatic

phrase

Used to say that in business things must be done that might not be liked, but have to be accepted because they are part of running a successful business.

He might be my friend, but when it comes to money matters, business is business.
Visual representation of "business is business" - Used to say that in business things must be done that might not be liked, but have to be accepted because they are part of running a successful business.

Often appears as...

  • business is business
  • nothing personal

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "business is business"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Professional Distance

This phrase often implies maintaining professionalism over personal relationships in business contexts.

Illustration for Professional Distance
Even though my cousin's company made a lower bid, business is business—I chose the best offer.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Tough Decisions

It's used to justify hard decisions made for the good of the business, even if they're unpopular.

Illustration for Tough Decisions
Laying off employees was tough, but business is business.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Emotion vs. Logic

The phrase can highlight the need to prioritize logic and profit over emotions in commerce.

Illustration for Emotion vs. Logic
I felt bad about raising prices, but business is business.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Professional Distance

This phrase often implies maintaining professionalism over personal relationships in business contexts.

Illustration for Professional Distance
Even though my cousin's company made a lower bid, business is business—I chose the best offer.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Tough Decisions

It's used to justify hard decisions made for the good of the business, even if they're unpopular.

Illustration for Tough Decisions
Laying off employees was tough, but business is business.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Emotion vs. Logic

The phrase can highlight the need to prioritize logic and profit over emotions in commerce.

Illustration for Emotion vs. Logic
I felt bad about raising prices, but business is business.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Professional Distance

This phrase often implies maintaining professionalism over personal relationships in business contexts.

Illustration for Professional Distance
Even though my cousin's company made a lower bid, business is business—I chose the best offer.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Tough Decisions

It's used to justify hard decisions made for the good of the business, even if they're unpopular.

Illustration for Tough Decisions
Laying off employees was tough, but business is business.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Emotion vs. Logic

The phrase can highlight the need to prioritize logic and profit over emotions in commerce.

Illustration for Emotion vs. Logic
I felt bad about raising prices, but business is business.
Visual representation of the word "Business is business"

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