get serious
- buckle downApply oneself determinedly
- focusConcentrated attention point
- commitBind to a course
- knuckle downApply oneself earnestly
- mean businessIntend serious action
no joke · stern · determined · crunch time · intense · dedicated · sobering · grave · earnest · straighten up · concentrate · disciplined · laser-focused · grown-up · tough love · deadline · wake-up call · reality check
- focusfocus, concentration, attention, focal point, concentrate
attitude/demeanor
get seriousjoke around
Engage in playful banter
goof off · lighten up · fool around · clown around · horse around
commitment level
get seriousgive up
Stop attempting something
back off · slack off · phone it in · disengage · check out