Is someone intruding on your personal affairs? You could tell them to 'mind their own business' to get them out of your face. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The expression 'mind your own business' means telling someone to stay out of your affairs. It's a way of saying that you don't value or need the person's input on your life or relationships. You're asking someone to keep their opinion to themselves because you don't want to hear it.
When you use 'mind your own business,' you're telling someone they need to walk away from you, or there will be consequences. It's something of a veiled threat, telling the other person that they're irritating you with their advice.
Example Usage
“Listen, I understand you’re just trying to help, but mind your own business. This has nothing to do with you. We don’t need your input, thanks.”
“Why are you giving me suggestions? I don’t care what you think. Mind your business and take your ideas elsewhere. They’re not welcome here.”
“If you don’t mind your own business, I’ll call the cops and lodge a restraining order against you. I don’t need you hanging around me telling me what to do.”
Origin
The expression ‘mind your own business’ has disputed origins. Some experts believe it comes from the Holy Bible, while others believe it originates from another saying, ‘mind your own beeswax.’
The biblical origin does have some merit. Paul instructs the church of Thessaloniki on how to live to Christian values. The translation of the parable is as follows.
“You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.”
However, the more likely origin of the saying comes from the expression ‘mind your own beeswax,’ which first appeared in the 1930s. Language experts are unsure when the phrase changed to ‘mind your own business.’ However, the ‘mind your own business version’ is more popular than the original.
Phrases Similar to Mind Your Own Business
- Keep your nose out of it.
- Mind your own beeswax.
Phrases Opposite to Mind Your Own Business
- Thanks for sharing.
- That’s great advice.
What is the Correct Saying?
- Mind your own business.
- Mind your business.
Ways People May Say Mind Your Own Business Incorrectly
The phrase does not refer to business premises or legal entities. Using it to describe companies or the act of doing business is incorrect. Using the expression to describe managing a business is wrong.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Mind Your Own Business
You can use the expression ‘mind your own business’ when telling someone to stop telling you what to do or how to handle a situation. Typically, the phrase has an aggressive or hostile tone. The term acts as a warning, telling the other person to stay out of your affairs.
The phrase suits professional and social use. You could use it when telling a stranger to keep their advice to themselves, or you could use it on your neighbor when they intrude on your personal matters. You could use it at work when a colleague infringes on something personal you’re saying to another person or when a friend comments on a sensitive subject you don’t want to discuss with them.