Phrase guide

mean business

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To be serious, especially where achieving a specific end against opposition is concerned.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

6 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: olla tosissaan — Translations
  • French: ne pas plaisanter — Translations
  • French: être sérieux — Translations
  • Italian: fare sul serio — Translations
  • Polish: nie żartować — Translations
  • Spanish: no andarse con chiquitas — Translations