mean business

phrase

: to be in earnest

Examples of mean business in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

So why not a transparent rainproof skirt, a pair of gloves that mean business, and a pair of pumps? — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026

The staff means business, with the host stand besieged by walk-ins, take-out orders, and impatient guests waiting outside. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 2026

And where jeans always lean casual, a pair of really crisp white pants means business. — Bianca Kratky, Glamour, 20 July 2026

Historically, this meant business intelligence tools like Tableau. — Ben Topor, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for mean business

• agribusiness
• nonbusiness