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Synonyms

mean business

Idioms  
  1. 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:

The 2-0 win over United at Ashton Gate this time around could not have been a more timely reminder that Chelsea still mean business and remain the team to beat.

From BBC Mar. 15, 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

They showed why they mean business in Switzerland, beating Wales 6-1 after a crucial 4-0 win over the Netherlands.

From BBC Jul. 13, 2025

Math was my specialty—you spend enough time at the cash register and you learn to love numbers, because each and every one means dollars and cents, and enough of those mean business is booming.

From "City of the Plague God" by Sarwat Chadda

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