Mind your own business

Meaning

The idiom "mind your own business" means to focus on your own affairs, concerns, or responsibilities without interfering or trying to control others. It can also mean not paying attention or caring about what is happening outside of your immediate surroundings.

Usage

Here are five sentences using the idiom in different contexts:

• When her neighbor asked her about her business, Sarah replied with a curt "I mind my own business."
• After hearing rumors about his friend's personal life, John decided to mind his own business and not get involved.
• As the boss of the department, Sarah made it clear that employees were expected to mind their own business and focus on their work.
• When asked about her political views, Karen simply said "I mind my own business and let others have their opinions."
• During the pandemic, people were advised to stay home and mind their own business for the sake of public health.

Roots and History

The idiom "mind your own business" has been in use since at least the early 19th century. It is believed to have originated from the British working class as a way to assert their independence and autonomy in the face of social or economic challenges. Over time, it has become a common expression used in various contexts to encourage people to focus on their own affairs and not try to control others.

Synonyms in English

• "Keep your nose out of other people's business" - This idiom means not meddling in or interfering with someone else's personal affairs.
• "Let sleeping dogs lie" - This expression is used to suggest that a situation or conflict should be left alone and not stirred up any further.
• "Don't judge a book by its cover" - While not directly related to minding one's own business, this idiom encourages people to focus on the substance of an issue rather than superficial appearances.

Synonyms in other languages

• French: "Mind your own business" - "Faites votre affaire" (pronounced [fay tvo ar])
• German: "Stay out of others' affairs" - "Sich anderen Angelegenheiten nicht beteiligen"
• Italian: "Stay away from other people's affairs" - "Tenere le mani dai loro affari" (pronounced [tentu re le mani da loro ar])
• Spanish: "Do not interfere with others" - "No interferir con otros"
• Japanese: "Focus on your own business" - "自分の事業を見付ける" (pronounced [jidoku no jigyou o miru])

Similar Idioms

• mind your own beeswax

• make the best of

• great minds think alike