mean business

Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word mean business. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word mean business, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say mean business in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word mean business you have here. The definition of the word mean business will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition ofmean business, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.

English

Pronunciation

  • Audio (AU)(file)

Verb

mean business (third-person singular simple present means business, present participle meaning business, simple past and past participle meant business)

  1. (idiomatic, used to convey serious intent) To be serious, especially where achieving a specific end against opposition is concerned.
    • 1895, William Chambers, Robert Chambers, Chambers's journal:
      Say in a week from now, I will undertake to deliver this most marvellous masterpiece, if 'Look here, 'Tony, I mean business, if you don't.
    • 1997, George Carlin, Brain Droppings‎, New York: Hyperion Books, →ISBN, →LCCN, →OCLC, →OL, page 102:
      Lorena Bobbit only did what men do to each other all the time: She showed an asshole she meant business.
    • 2002, Armando T. Atienza, Shrewd Business Tactics:
      He projects his concern to all employees and he means business when he says the “buck stops here”.

Translations

Translations
Wikious
Boobota
Sagapedia