meaning of English phrase
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Here are two basic meanings of "mean" as an adjective (from Longman Online Dictionary):
1. cruel or not kind:
That was a mean thing to do.
I felt a bit mean asking him to help.
It's a mean trick to play on someone.
It was mean of him not to invite her.
mean to
Don't be so mean to her!
2. not generous British English not wanting to spend money, or not wanting to use much of something [= stingy; = cheap AmE]
He's too mean to buy a present for his wife.
mean with
He's always been mean with his money.
It was supposed to be garlic bread, but they'd been a bit mean with the garlic.
So you may choose the one which best suits your context.
1. cruel or not kind:
That was a mean thing to do.
I felt a bit mean asking him to help.
It's a mean trick to play on someone.
It was mean of him not to invite her.
mean to
Don't be so mean to her!
2. not generous British English not wanting to spend money, or not wanting to use much of something [= stingy; = cheap AmE]
He's too mean to buy a present for his wife.
mean with
He's always been mean with his money.
It was supposed to be garlic bread, but they'd been a bit mean with the garlic.
So you may choose the one which best suits your context.
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