mean to say

English

Verb

mean to say (third-person singular simple present means to say, present participle meaning to say, simple past and past participle meant to say)

  1. To imply or intend to convey with one's words; used to correct or clarify one's previous utterance, or to seek such clarification.
    • 1811, Jane Austen, Sense and Sensibility:
      " […] It is a match that must give universal satisfaction. In short, it is a kind of thing that" — lowering his voice to an important whisper — "will be exceedingly welcome to all parties." Recollecting himself, however, he added, "That is, I mean to say—your friends are all truly anxious to see you well settled; Fanny particularly […] "
    • 1919, H. H. Munro, “Hyacinth”, in The Toys of Peace and Other Papers:
      "You wicked boy, do you mean to say you've left those poor children there alone in the pigstye?"
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