Skip to main content

What do you mean?

Phrase of the day

Discover a new phrase each day to use in your English! These are special phrases and sayings that English speakers use all the time, but you don't often see these phrases in English course books or other study material. Visit daily to learn some popular English phrases on a regular basis.

19 July 2026

What do you mean?

We use this expression when someone has said a strong statement and you are challenging that person, showing that you don't agree with them and asking them for the reason for their opinion.

Written: No

Spoken: Yes

Formal: No

Informal: Yes

Example 1

I really can’t stand Jenny. She’s so irritating!

What do you mean? I think she’s really nice!

Really? I find it really annoying the way she always talks about herself and never listens to other people.

Example 2

I’m going out now, mum. Bye!

What do you mean, you’re leaving? You still haven’t done the washing-up!

Find more phrases

Previous Day
Next Day
Today's Phrase
May2026
17