business suit
16
1.8
- noun
- /ˈbɪz.nɪs suːt/
:
traje de negocios
- She wore a tailored business suit for her job interview to make a strong impression.
So to me, success was a business suit, high heels, corner office.
- So to me, success was a business suit, high heels, corner office.
- You have guys who are like getting off of work and they're there with their briefcases in their business suits and they're part of the scene.
- So I was shocked to see a guy in a smart business based, a beige business suit with highly polished shoes and this African guy.
Examples
-
Down the block, a pair of men in business suits were strolling toward them.
Fiction book (2001) -
- I know it's not much, but I wanted to buy you your first business suit.
-
A woman in a business suit is my idea of art.
-
So to me, success was a business suit, high heels, corner office.
-
I had started to sweat because I was wearing my business suit.
Fiction book (2001) -
Standing in front of him was a fat man in a business suit, holding a briefcase.
Fiction book (1994) -
Wear your business suit and your gray overcoat.
-
My, don't you look strapping in your new business suit?
-
Just then, a well-dressed man in a handsome business suit approached the prosecution's table.
Fiction book (1991) -
Martin Humphries strode into the boardroom, decked out in a sky-blue business suit.
Fiction book (2001)
Synonyms
10
2.8
A set of matching jacket, vest, and trousers worn for formal occasions
3
3.0
A set of matching clothes with a jacket and trousers or skirt
2
3.0
A suit with a matching jacket and skirt or trousers
1
3.3
A neat, stylish outfit that fits the body well
1
2.5
A set of matching jacket and trousers or skirt that people wear for work
1
4.7
A matching jacket and trousers or skirt worn for work and smart events
How Formal
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'a suit worn in professional or formal business settings' is directly derivable from 'business' (professional work) + 'suit' (matching jacket and trousers). This modifier+noun composition is literal and cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents will readily understand the MWE.
Etymology
The term business suit names a suit meant for business. It is a matching jacket and trousers people began to wear in offices to look serious and neat, so it means clothing worn to look 'professional' at work.