mean business

Idioms and Phrases

Be in earnest. For example, He really means business with this deadline . This idiom uses business in the sense of “a serious endeavor.” [Mid-1800s]

Example Sentences

"Adrian is a racer and one of the most competitive people I have ever met. He quickly understood what we are trying to achieve. We mean business - and so does he."

From BBC

"We have been so unlucky to pick up more injuries, but with these new signings we look like we mean business," he told BBC Sport.

From BBC

“That I’m certain sends a message … to all employees that we mean business,” Supervisor Hilda Solis said to Viera Rosa, who was there to report on improvements he was making to the agency.

From Los Angeles Times

Because their 900 workers would stay all year, it would mean "business all year round for the local traders."

From BBC

"We all know what's going to happen at the end of the season and they have a cause to play for. They want to send their manager off with a Premier League title and they really mean business."

From BBC