Work & careers
not mess about
act seriously and efficiently
If someone does not mess about, they act quickly and seriously without wasting time.
Hear it in real life
Did the doctor order more tests?
Yes, she didn't mess about once she saw the results.
Our new supervisor doesn't mess about when a deadline is close.
The mistake everyone makes
Not: She doesn't mess about the deadline.
Say: She doesn't mess about when the deadline is close.
Do not put a direct object immediately after mess about in this meaning; use it on its own or add when or with.
Build it
How it fits in a sentence.
doesn't mess about; didn't mess about
Your turn: say it out loud
Our new supervisor doesn't mess about when a deadline is close.
Say it out loud two or three times, until it feels like yours.
not mess about
act seriously and efficiently
“Our new supervisor doesn't mess about when a deadline is close.”
heytardy
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