Idioms, in case you don’t know, are non-literal expressions whose meaning is understood culturally, as opposed to being simply a sum of their individual words. An often ignored truth is that business English is packed full of bizarre sounding idioms that are used to describe the day-to-day realities of corporate or professional life.
In this article, we’re going to focus on some of the most common business idioms that you can expect to hear in an English language work environment, by providing definitions and examples of how they’re used in real life. Before long, you’ll be up to scratch and giving yourself a well-deserved pat on the back. Sounds good?
As always with idioms, be careful when using them. Idiomatic expressions are often misused by language learners because they sometimes have quite narrow uses. If in doubt, ask your English teacher whether you are using them correctly.
So, let’s start by taking a look at some of the most useful business idioms around!
Back to the drawing board: used to indicate that a plan or action has failed and that a new one must be devised.
Example:
- Well, I guess this isn’t going to work. I’m afraid it's back to the drawing board with this one.
Ballpark figure: a figure (number) that is a very rough estimate, but within the general vicinity of the actual number.
Example:
- Look, I don’t have the precise figures with me, but to give you a ballpark figure, we’re talking in the tens of millions.
To be on the same page: to be in agreement with someone or to share a particular perspective.
Example:
- I was wondering if we could schedule a quick meeting for this afternoon. Just to make sure that we’re both on the same page regarding these plans.
To be up to scratch: to be at the required level of quality or meeting the required standard.
Example:
- I’m sorry but the latest project just wasn’t up to scratch. We had to get it redone in-house.
The big picture: a complete or contextualised vision of something without focusing overly on details.
Example:
- Yes, it will require a lot of investment, but can we try to focus on the big picture, please? If it’s successful, it should earn us millions over the next decade.
Blue collar: manual workers, often in the industrial sector.
Example:
- Of course, blue collar jobs have been particularly hard hit since the financial crisis.
By the book: strictly following the rules.
Example:
- This is really going to be scrutinised over the next few weeks, so I want to make sure everything is done by the book.
To cut corners: to save time or money by doing something at a substandard quality.
Example:
- I know the deadline is looming, but we really cannot cut any corners on this project. It’s a matter of public safety.
To cut one’s losses: to abandon an unprofitable venture so as not to lose any more resources.
Example:
- I know no one wants to hear this, but I suggest we just cut our losses and begin pursuing option B.
Cut-throat: a work environment characterised by fierce and intense competition.
Example:
- I know you’ve worked in sales before, so you’re probably aware it can be a bit cut-throat. However, we do offer support to new recruits.
The elephant in the room: an obvious truth that no one is willing to mention.
Example:
- So, I’m sure we’re all aware of the elephant in the room. However, I want to discuss why we lost that contract and how we can prevent it happening again in future.
To get down to business: to take the first step in achieving an agreed upon goal.
Example:
- OK, well it’s been great catching up with you all, but shall we get down to business?
The glass ceiling: a metaphorical barrier preventing advancement in a certain career, especially for women.
Example:
- Unfortunately, I think there seems to be a glass ceiling in this business unless you’re part of the good old boys network.
To give someone a pat on the back: to congratulate someone on a job well done.
Example:
- I think we all need to give Rachel a pat on the back for the great work she’s done on the Freeman contract.
To give the thumbs up/down: to approve or reject a requested course of action.
Example:
- Great news, guys! We’ve got the thumbs up to go ahead on the rebuild.
To go the extra mile: to exceed your expected duties.
Example:
- I know it’s not strictly part of your job Steve, but we do expect all staff to go the extra mile in terms of satisfying client demands.
To learn the ropes: to learn the basics or fundamentals of a job.
Example:
- The first week’s been great, thanks. I’ve been pretty busy learning the ropes and it’s all starting to make sense now.
A no-brainer: a decision or course of action that is so obvious, it doesn’t require any real thought.
Example:
- This seems to be a no-brainer. We should give the project to Manuel as he’s the most experienced and specialises in acquisitions.
Off the top of one’s head: a statement expressed without careful thought or consideration.
Example:
- I’m afraid I don’t have figures on me but off the top of my head, I think it’s about two and a half million.
Red tape: excessive bureaucracy that can slow down a project.
Example:
- There’ll be a lot of red tape to get through, so we can’t expect to get started until May at the soonest.
To see eye to eye: to be in agreement with someone else.
Example:
- Hopefully, we can see eye to eye on this and not let petty disagreements derail the project.
State of the art: the most recent or technologically advanced stage in the development of a product or service.
Example:
- We’ve just installed a state of the art video conferencing suite in meeting room three.
To take the bull by the horns: to deal decisively and boldly with a particular problem.
Example:
- Hassan, you’re a senior manager now, so I’m expecting you take the bull by the horns on this one.
To think outside the box: to think in an original or creative way.
Example:
- It’s important to think outside the box in this business. You can’t expect to rely on well-worn solutions.
White collar: professional workers, particularly those who work in an office environment.
Example:
- Actually, white collar workers have seen a steady rise in their salaries over the same period.
A win-win situation: a situation that is beneficial in more than one way or that benefits both parties.
Example:
- Joining forces on this one will be a win-win situation. You’ll gain valuable experience and we’ll get the project finished much earlier than expected.
A “yes” man: an employee who is more concerned with pleasing their boss than they are with doing a good job.
Example:
- To be honest, he’s a bit of a “yes” man. I’d prefer someone who speaks their mind, even if it does annoy the senior managers a bit.
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