mean business
Intend real consequences
To mean business is to be serious about what you're doing or threatening—not joking, not bluffing.
Someone who means business intends to follow through: When she walked in with lawyers, we knew she meant business.
The phrase often signals a shift from talk to action, or warns others not to underestimate someone's resolve.
Sincerely intense in purpose
- sincereGenuinely felt, not feigned
- genuineTruly what it claims
- purposefulDone with intention
- intentPlanned purpose
deliberate · focused · grave · solemn · sober · no-nonsense · stern · resolute
Firmness of purpose
- tenacityPersistent grip or resolve
- perseveranceSustained resolve despite obstacles
- gritDetermination or abrasive particles
- willpowerMental strength resisting impulse
fortitude · persistence · drive · steadfastness · backbone · doggedness · single-minded · relentless
Exerting strong pressure
- decisiveQuick to conclude
- authoritativeHaving recognized expertise
- commandingExerting strong authority
- firmSolid or resolute
bold · confident · aggressive · insistent · dominant · emphatic · uncompromising · hard-nosed
Focused on workable solutions
- practicalSuited for real use
- efficientProductive without waste
- straightforwardClear and uncomplicated
- down-to-earthPractical and without pretension
realistic · matter-of-fact · sensible · disciplined · methodical · organized · results-oriented · deadline-driven
earnest
Sincerely intense in purpose
- sincereGenuinely felt, not feigned
- genuineTruly what it claims
- purposefulDone with intention
intent · deliberate · focused · grave · solemn · sober · no-nonsense · stern · resolute · unwavering
resolve
Firmness of purpose
- tenacityPersistent grip or resolve
- perseveranceSustained resolve despite obstacles
- gritDetermination or abrasive particles
willpower · fortitude · persistence · drive · steadfastness · backbone · doggedness · single-minded · relentless · unshakeable
forceful
Exerting strong pressure
- decisiveQuick to conclude
- authoritativeHaving recognized expertise
- commandingExerting strong authority
firm · bold · confident · aggressive · insistent · dominant · emphatic · uncompromising · hard-nosed · no-holds-barred
pragmatic
Focused on workable solutions
- practicalSuited for real use
- efficientProductive without waste
- straightforwardClear and uncomplicated
down-to-earth · realistic · matter-of-fact · sensible · disciplined · methodical · organized · results-oriented · deadline-driven · accountable
- focusfocus, concentration, attention, focal point, concentrate
- perseverancepersist, never give up, tenacity, hang in there, endurance
mean businessbluff
Calculated false front
joke around · fool around · kid around · play games · mess around
mean businessdither
Nervous inability to choose
hesitate · waver · vacillate · procrastinate · drag one's feet
mean, means, meaning, business, meant, meaningful, businessman, meanness, meaningless