Mean business Meaning in English
expression
التعريف
To be serious about what you say or do, showing determination or that you intend to take action, not joking or pretending.
الاستخدام والفروق الدقيقة
The phrase is informal and often used to emphasize determination or a warning. Common in business, negotiations, or when someone is not joking. Don't confuse with 'mean' (unkind) or 'business' (company). Often used as: 'I mean business' or 'They mean business.'
جمل نموذجية
If you bring a contract, it shows you mean business.
basic
Her strict voice told us she meant business.
basic
I mean business—do your homework now.
basic
When she showed up at the meeting in a suit, we knew she meant business.
natural
'Don't make me repeat myself. I mean business,' the coach warned.
natural
He smiled, but I could tell from his eyes he meant business this time.
natural