Business before pleasure: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Business before pleasure” mean?

"Business before pleasure" means that one should prioritize work or responsibilities before engaging in leisure activities.

What context can I use the in?

Example

I know you want to go out and have fun, but remember, business before pleasure. Finish your work first.

Example

It's important to remember that business before pleasure. Don't let distractions get in the way of your responsibilities.

Example

I understand you want to relax, but business before pleasure. Take care of your tasks before indulging in leisure activities

Is “Business before pleasure” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Business before pleasure” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Business before pleasure” effectively in context?

You can use "Business before pleasure" to emphasize the importance of prioritizing work or responsibilities before indulging in leisure activities or enjoyment. For example, if a friend suggests going out for a movie when you have pending assignments, you can say, 'I know you want to go out and have fun, but remember, business before pleasure. Finish your work first.'

• 1. Time Management

  Let's focus on finishing this project before we start planning the party. Business before pleasure.

• 2. Meeting Deadlines

  I understand you want to relax, but we have a deadline to meet. Business before pleasure, remember.

• 3. Balancing Priorities

  It's tempting to take a break, but we need to prioritize our tasks. Business before pleasure.

Similar phrases to “Business before pleasure”:

Work hard, play hard

To emphasize the importance of balancing work and leisure activities

Example

We've been working long hours, but let's remember to play hard too.

No pain, no gain

To emphasize the need to endure difficulties in order to achieve success

Example

The training is tough, but remember, no pain, no gain.

Put your nose to the grindstone

To emphasize the need to work diligently and persistently

Example

We have a lot of work to do, so let's put our noses to the grindstone.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Business before pleasure” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Business before pleasure" is unknown.

Is “Business before pleasure” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Business before pleasure" is a common proverb used in everyday conversation. It is often used to remind oneself or others about the importance of prioritizing work or responsibilities over leisure activities.

What tone does “Business before pleasure” have?

"Business before pleasure" conveys a tone of seriousness and responsibility. It is used to emphasize the need to focus on work or responsibilities before indulging in enjoyment.

Can “Business before pleasure” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Business before pleasure" is a formal proverb that is commonly used in both professional and personal settings. It is often used in discussions about time management, meeting deadlines, and balancing priorities.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Let's finish this report before we go out. Business before pleasure.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the proverb even if used alone, like saying 'Business before pleasure' to imply the need to prioritize work.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• work comes first
• responsibilities before enjoyment
• duty over pleasure
• prioritize work

Antonyms

• pleasure before business
• enjoyment over responsibilities
• leisure first
• fun before work