# mean to do sth

idiom · CEFR B1

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/mean-to-do-sth
Updated: 2026-04-22

## Meaning

to do something on purpose or have a specific plan in mind.

## Examples

- I am sorry, I did not mean to do that.
- He apologized immediately after the accident, explaining that he certainly did not mean to do it.
- She insisted that she never meant to do any harm, despite the unintended consequences of her impulsive decision.

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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.