ENGLISH
REFERENCE

mean business

idiom
Meaning

To be serious, especially where achieving a specific end against opposition is concerned.


Examples
SIMPLE

The coach means business during this practice session.

CONTEXTUAL

When the manager arrived early and locked the office door, we knew she meant business about finishing the project.

COMPLEX

The negotiator adjusted his tie and sat forward, his stern expression signaling to the board that he truly meant business regarding the contract terms.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    and I don't mean maybe

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

  2. 02

    bad business

    Synonym of bad news (“irritating, troublesome or harmful thing, situation or person”).

  3. 03

    business as usual

    The normal course of an activity, particularly in circumstances that are out of the ordinary.

  4. 04

    business end

    The part of an object (chiefly a tool or weapon) that is physically used for its operation, rather than some other part such as the part by which it is held.

  5. 05

    business girl

    A female prostitute.

  6. 06

    do one's business

    Especially of a house pet: to defecate or urinate.

  7. 07

    get down to business

    To commit oneself to a task or activity that is employment-related or that requires serious effort or concentration.

  8. 08

    give someone the business

    To treat someone harshly or in a wrongful manner, such as by abusing, deceiving, or manipulating.

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