mean by
mean (something) by (something)
To have some hidden or ulterior meaning, judgment, or intention behind one's words or actions. Often used in questions and negative constructions. I didn't mean anything by what I said—I was just making an observation about your clothes, that's all! A: "It's not bad, for someone like you." B: "Hey, what do you mean by that?"
See also: by, mean
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
mean by something
to intend a certain meaning by words or deeds. What do you mean by that? I did not mean anything special by my remarks.
See also: by, mean
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
- mean (something) by (something)
- have it both ways
- change (one's) stripes
- change one's stripes
- change one's stripes/spots, cannot
- take it with (one) (when one goes)
- take it with one
- moonlight and roses
- it me