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.

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

Because their 900 workers would stay all year, it would mean "business all year round for the local traders."

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2024

According to local reporting, members said the reason for the act of civil disobedience was to show the casinos that they mean business and that they’re willing to sit down in traffic for a contract.

From Washington Times • Oct. 26, 2023

I glare to let her know I mean business.

From "Merci Suárez Changes Gears" by Meg Medina

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