Not mess around
verb phrase
To take something seriously or act quickly and decisively.
He is a strict manager and does not mess around when it comes to meeting deadlines.
Often appears as...
- do not mess around
- not mess around with
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
verb phrase
To avoid frivolous activity or behaviour; not waste time on unnecessary or unimportant things.
In this business, we do not mess around. Every second counts.
Often appears as...
- do not mess around
- not mess around with that
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial, Idiomatic
verb phrase
Not act frivolously or irresponsibly, particularly in a potentially dangerous or serious situation.
When it comes to safety, we do not mess around.
Often appears as...
- do not mess around with
- not mess around in that
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial, Idiomatic
verb phrase
To take something seriously or act quickly and decisively.
He is a strict manager and does not mess around when it comes to meeting deadlines.
Often appears as...
- do not mess around
- not mess around with
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
verb phrase
To avoid frivolous activity or behaviour; not waste time on unnecessary or unimportant things.
In this business, we do not mess around. Every second counts.
Often appears as...
- do not mess around
- not mess around with that
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial, Idiomatic
verb phrase
Not act frivolously or irresponsibly, particularly in a potentially dangerous or serious situation.
When it comes to safety, we do not mess around.
Often appears as...
- do not mess around with
- not mess around in that
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial, Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Urgency
Express urgency or importance without delay, especially in professional scenarios.
We can't mess around, the project deadline is tomorrow.
Pro Tip 2/3Work Context
Often used at work to encourage fast and serious action.
The boss told us not to mess around and finish the report today.
Pro Tip 3/3Directive Tone
Can sound commanding when used by someone in authority.
The coach said not to mess around and focus on the game.
Pro Tip 1/3Urgency
Express urgency or importance without delay, especially in professional scenarios.
We can't mess around, the project deadline is tomorrow.
Pro Tip 2/3Work Context
Often used at work to encourage fast and serious action.
The boss told us not to mess around and finish the report today.
Pro Tip 3/3Directive Tone
Can sound commanding when used by someone in authority.
The coach said not to mess around and focus on the game.
Pro Tip 1/3Urgency
Express urgency or importance without delay, especially in professional scenarios.
We can't mess around, the project deadline is tomorrow.
Pro Tip 2/3Work Context
Often used at work to encourage fast and serious action.
The boss told us not to mess around and finish the report today.
Pro Tip 3/3Directive Tone
Can sound commanding when used by someone in authority.
The coach said not to mess around and focus on the game.
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