“Let’s Get Down to Business” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 18, 2024 by Liam Daniel

The phrase “let’s get down to business” is one that you will most likely encounter quite frequently in everyday conversation or writing. Here you will find the meaning of this phrase and some information regarding its origin. You will also find examples of how to use the phrase properly in everyday conversation and see some suggestions of alternative ways to say this phrase while still conveying the same meaning.

“Let’s Get Down to Business” Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • The phrase “let’s get down to business” means to start focusing on the main tasks or issues at hand, often after preliminary discussions or distractions. It conveys a sense of urgency and a desire to move forward with a specific agenda, typically in a professional or formal context.
Let's Get Down to Business
Let’s Get Down to Business – Created by 7ESL

“Let’s Get Down to Business” Meaning

The phrase “let’s get down to business” means to begin focusing on the main tasks or objectives at hand, often after a period of discussion or preliminary activities. It indicates a shift from casual conversation or planning to serious work and productivity.

Examples:

  • “Now that everyone is here, let’s get down to business and start discussing the project.”
  • “We’ve wasted enough time chatting; it’s time to get down to business.”

Origin of This Idiomatic Expression

There is little known about the exact origin of this common English idiom. The only thing that is certain is that it most likely originated in the business industry and has been used for many years due to its wide popularity.

Usage of “Let’s Get Down to Business”

  • In a meeting context:

“After the team finished the icebreaker activity, the manager said, ‘Okay, everyone, let’s get down to business and review the agenda for today.'”

  • During a discussion about a project:

“We’ve talked enough about the background; now, let’s get down to business and outline our next steps.”

  • In a casual setting:

“After catching up with old friends, I finally said, ‘Let’s get down to business—what’s the plan for tonight?'”

  • In a planning session:

“Now that everyone is here, let’s get down to business and start planning the event.”

Related Terms to “Let’s Get Down to Business”

  • Get to work – a direct way to indicate starting on a task or project.
  • Let’s dive in – suggesting that it’s time to start working on something.
  • Roll up our sleeves – indicating readiness to work hard on a task.
  • Cut to the chase – getting straight to the main point or issue without unnecessary delay.
  • Get started – a straightforward invitation to begin a task or project.
  • Move forward – implying progress toward completing tasks or objectives.
  • Onward and upward – suggesting a focus on progress and moving ahead.
  • Focus up – a call to concentrate on the task at hand.
  • Time to take action – indicating that it’s time to start doing something rather than just planning.
  • Let’s hit the ground running – meaning to start a project or task with energy and enthusiasm.

Other Ways to Say the Term

There are many alternative ways to say “let’s get down to business” and still convey the same meaning. Some of these other ways include:

  • Let’s get down to brass tacks
  • Let’s start
  • Let’s get serious

“Let’s Get Down to Business” Examples

Examples in Statements

A statement made by a local politician just elected to office.

  • “The city needs to reconsider its budget due to the mishandling of money by the prior city treasurer. Let’s get down to business people and figure this out.”

A statement made by a celebrity involved in a recent scandal when asked a question during an interview.

  • “Oh come on! That is not really what you want to ask me, is it? We both know it isn’t! So, let’s just get down to business and address the elephant in the room than shall we?”

Examples in Conversations

A conversation among team members in the office.

  • Team member 1: It was all Cheryl’s fault that we failed to complete the project on time!
  • Team member 2: How was it my fault? I was here every day and did everything I was asked to do. If you want to point fingers than you should point at yourself!
  • Team member 3: Just calm down everyone. We will figure this out. Assigning blame is going to cause nothing but resentment.
  • Team Leader: He is right. Let’s get down to business so we can fix this problem and not cause a bigger one.

A conversation among students in a classroom.

  • Student 1: I don’t think we should have to take gym on Mondays.
  • Student 2: Yeah, its the start of the week and I don’t even wake up fully until it is time to go home.
  • Student 3: I completely agree. However, we need to think about more important things we can do for the school.
  • Student 4: As President of the Student Council, I agree! Let’s get down to business! We can come up with much better ideas than no gym on Mondays!

Other examples:

  • Stop arguing about procedure and let’s get down to business.
  • Let’s get down to business right away, we’ll stop for coffee later.
  • Okay, class, let’s get down to business.
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