# and I don't mean maybe

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/and-i-dont-mean-maybe
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Indicating that one is serious and not joking about a matter.

## Examples

- Clean your room now, and I don't mean maybe.
- You must finish this report by five o'clock today, and I don't mean maybe.
- The manager insisted that the team resolve the safety issues before the inspection, and I don't mean maybe.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.