mean to (do something)

mean to (do something)

To have the intention, desire, or obligation to do something. I've been meaning to see that new movie everyone is talking about. A: "Did you mow the lawn?" B: "No, I meant to do it yesterday, but I ran out of time."

See also: mean, to

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

mean to (do something)

to intend to do something. Did you mean to do that? No, it was an accident. I didn't mean to.

See also: mean, to

mean (for someone) to do something

to intend (for someone) to do something. John meant to go with us to the zoo. John meant for Jane to do the dishes.

See also: mean, to

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

mean to

Intend to, as in I meant to go running this morning but got up too late, or I'm sorry I broke it-I didn't mean to. This idiom was first recorded in 1560.

See also: mean, to

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.