what do you mean?

This page is about the conversational phrase what do you mean?

Meaning

You can say this if you're annoyed or surprised by what somebody has told you.

For example

  • "Sorry Mum, but the wedding's off."
    "What do you mean it's off? We've just sent out the invitations!"

  • "I'm afraid we have to let you go, Jerry."
    "What do you mean you have to let me go? I helped you build this bloody company!"

Quick Quiz

My wife said, "What do you mean you can't go?" She

a. didn't understand what I'd said

b. already knew I wasn't going

c. had thought I was going
a) didn't understand what I'd said b) already knew I wasn't going c) had thought I was going

Contributor: Matt Errey