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]

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Example Sentences

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

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

But I decide to include it because anything that can start out floating around defenseless in the ocean that size—and then defeat the odds to grow into this powerful creature—has to mean business.

From "The Benefits of Being an Octopus" by Ann Braden