mean business
Meaning
To be serious and determined about what you’re doing or saying; not joking or making empty threats.
Origin
Recorded from the late 19th–early 20th century. It uses “business” in the sense of “serious matters/real intent,” meaning someone is not playing around but acting with purpose.
Notes
Common in speech and writing. Often used to stress seriousness or real intent, sometimes as a warning (“I mean business”). Can sound firm or tough.
Examples
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When the coach said practice starts at 6 a.m. sharp, we knew he meant business.
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If you want them to take you seriously, you have to show up prepared and mean business.
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The deadline is tomorrow, and the manager means business—no more extensions.
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She smiled, but the way she negotiated told everyone she meant business.
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Once the security guard locked the doors, it was clear the venue meant business about checking tickets.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used as “mean business” with a person/subject: “I/He/They mean business.” Also common in the fixed phrase “I mean business.” Tense can change (“meant business”), but the wording is otherwise fairly fixed.
Synonyms
- be serious
- be determined
- be in earnest
- be for real
- not be kidding
Antonyms
- be joking
- kid around
- be all talk
- not be serious