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.

See Examples For:

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

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

From Barron's ● Feb. 11, 2026

“Union baristas mean business and are ready to do whatever it takes to win a fair contract,” Eisen said in a statement.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 5, 2025

"We have been so unlucky to pick up more injuries, but with these new signings we look like we mean business," he told BBC Sport.

From BBC ● Aug. 16, 2024

"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

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