Nothing doing Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈnəθɪŋ/ /ˈduɪŋ

NUH-thing DOO-ing

UK

nˈʌθɪŋ/ /dˈuːɪŋ

NUH-thing DOO-ing

Definition

This informal expression means that something is not possible or absolutely will not happen. It's often used to strongly refuse a suggestion.

Usage & Nuances

Very informal and mainly spoken, often to refuse requests or suggestions in a firm but sometimes playful way. Can sound old-fashioned or humorous; common phrases: "Nothing doing!", "Sorry, nothing doing." Not used in formal writing.

• Spanish: ni hablar - de ninguna manera
• Portuguese (BR): nem pensar - de jeito nenhum
• Portuguese (PT): nem pensar - de maneira nenhuma
• Chinese (Simplified): 没门 - 绝不
• Chinese (Traditional): 沒門 - 絕不
• Hindi: कभी नहीं - बिलकुल नहीं
• Arabic: مستحيل - لا يمكن
• Bengali: কিছুই না - অসম্ভব
• Russian: ни за что - ни в коем случае
• Japanese: 絶対に無理 - だめだ
• Vietnamese: không đời nào - không thể nào
• Korean: 절대 안 돼 - 절대 불가
• Turkish: asla olmaz - imkansız
• Urdu: ہرگز نہیں - ناممکن
• Indonesian: không đời nào - không thể

Example Sentences

I asked my dad for a new phone, but he said, "Nothing doing!"

basic

"Can I borrow your bike?" "Nothing doing—I need it right now."

basic

If you're hoping I'll help you cheat, nothing doing.

basic

"Want to join us for karaoke tonight?" "Nothing doing, I have a big exam tomorrow."

natural

You think I’m going to clean your room for you? Nothing doing!

natural

They asked if they could change the rules, but management said, "Nothing doing."

natural