Definition

Noun: A business lunch is a midday meal, typically held at a restaurant, during which professional matters are discussed. The cost of this meal is usually paid for as a legitimate work-related expense.

Usage

This term is used to describe a formal or semi-formal meeting that combines dining with professional discussion. It implies a purpose beyond simply eating, focusing on networking, deal-making, or work planning.

Examples

• The manager scheduled a business lunch with the potential clients to discuss the contract details.
• She has a business lunch every Thursday with her team to review weekly progress.
• Attending that business lunch was very productive; we solved several project issues.

Advanced Usage

• "To have a business lunch": This is the most common construction for stating the occurrence of such a meeting.
  • Example: The executives will have a business lunch to finalize the merger.
• "Over a business lunch": This phrase is used to indicate the context in which something happened.
  • Example: The agreement was reached over a business lunch.

Variants and Related Words

• Working lunch (n): A very similar concept, often implying the meeting might be held in an office setting with brought-in food, not necessarily at a restaurant.
• Power lunch (n): A business lunch, often at a prestigious restaurant, involving high-level executives or influential people.

Synonyms

• Working lunch
• Lunch meeting
• Professional lunch

Antonyms

• Social lunch
• Casual lunch
• Personal meal

Related Phrases

• "To take someone out for a business lunch": To invite someone to a restaurant for a meal with a professional agenda.
  • Example: He took the new consultant out for a business lunch to welcome her.
• "To expense a business lunch": To submit the cost of the lunch for reimbursement as a business cost.
  • Example: Remember to keep the receipt so you can expense the business lunch.

Noun

1. lunch (usually at a restaurant) where business is discussed and the cost is charged as a business expense