a mean (something)
Said of something that is particularly impressive or appealing. I make a mean stew—are you sure you don't want to stay for dinner? You should ask that guy to join your band—he plays a mean sax. If you ever want to commiserate about bad break-ups, I've had my share, and I make a mean hot fudge sundae. Just sayin'.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
mean something
(to someone) 1. Lit. to make sense to someone. Does this line mean anything to you? Yes, it means something.
2. Fig. [for someone] to cause positive feelings in another person. You mean a lot to me. This job means a lot to Ann.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
a mean something
mod. having to do with an excellent example of the art of doing something well habitually. John plays the piano quite well. Fred says that John plays a mean piano.
mean
mod. having to do with someone or something that is very good; cool. This music is mean, man, mean. What a great sound!
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.