mind their own business

So there I was, minding my own business, when the security guard comes over and starts asking me all kinds of questions.

I really wish she would mind her own business and stop asking me about my finances.

Mind your own business, will you? I can take care of my problems just fine.

To not interfere in someone else’s affairs; to not pry or be nosy. Often used as an imperative. Mind your own business, will you? I can take care of my problems just fine. I really wish she would mind her own business and stop asking me about my finances. So there I was, minding my own business, when the security guard comes over and starts asking me all kinds of questions.

mind one’s own business

Fig. to attend only to the things that concern one.

Leave me alone, Bill. Mind your own business.

I’d be fine if John would mind his own business.

Mind your own business.

and Get your nose out of my business.; Keep your nose out of my business.

and

Fig. Stop prying into my affairs. (Not at all polite. The expressions with

get

and

keep

can have the literal meanings of removing and keeping removed.)

Andy: This is none of your affair. Mind your own business. Sue: I was only trying to help.

Bob: How much did you pay in federal taxes last year? Jane: Good grief, Bob! Keep your nose out of my business!

Tom: How much did it cost? Sue: Tom! Get your nose out of my business!

“Hey!” shrieked Sally, jerking the checkbook out of Sue’s grasp. “Get your nose out of my business!”

(I’m just)

minding my own business.

Fig. an answer to a greeting inquiry asking what one is doing. (This answer also can carry the implication “Since I am minding my own business, why aren’t you minding your own business?”)

Tom: Hey, man, what are you doing? Bill: Minding my own business. See you around.

Sue: Hi, Mary. What have you been doing? Mary: I’m just minding my own business and trying to keep out of trouble.