mean business

Idioms

Be in earnest. For example, He really means business with this deadline. This idiom uses business in the sense of “a serious endeavor.” [Mid-1800s]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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mean business

But at Estadio Monterrey in Mexico, Potter's side showed they mean business in this competition after the fun at training from their head coach.

From BBC ● Jun. 15, 2026

What kinds of questions do they ask that lets you know that they’re informed or they mean business?

From Los Angeles Times ● May 18, 2026

Drones and anti-drones mean business for a host of defense startups and established players.

From Barron's ● Feb. 11, 2026

Nearly a week after taking the keys to the battered media company, Ellison and his top executives met with reporters at the Paramount Pictures lot Wednesday to show that they mean business.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 13, 2025

"Act like it! Matter fact, learn from the newbies. Defend each other. They ain't your opponents. They're your new family. And as y'all can see, they mean business."

From "Ghost" by Jason Reynolds

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023