mean business
IdiomsExample Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Just a glance at the top scorers table is proof enough that the world's best mean business.
From BBC ● Jun. 18, 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
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
"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
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
