In this article, we will explore 93 of the most common business idioms and phrases, along with their meanings and examples, and learn how they can be used in professional settings.
In the world of business, communication is key. It’s not just about what you say, but how you say it that can make a significant impact. This is where business idioms and expressions come into play.
But, what are business idioms?
What are Business Idioms?
Before we define business idioms, it’s important to understand exactly what idioms are.
Idioms are phrases or expressions that convey meanings different from the literal interpretations of the individual words. They help to illustrate points more clearly and can make communication more engaging and relatable. For example, the idiom “break the ice” means to initiate conversation in a way that relieves tension or awkwardness, which is different from the literal idea of breaking a piece of ice.
Business idioms are phrases or expressions that convey a meaning that differs from the literal meaning of the words, which can be applied in a business context.
For example, saying “let’s get the ball rolling” instead of “let’s start” conveys a sense of momentum and action. Similarly, “think outside the box” encourages innovative thinking more effectively than simply saying “be creative.”
Having a solid understanding of these idioms is useful for anyone looking to succeed in a professional environment and they are therefore an important part of Business English.
So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at 93 common business idioms and phrases.
A to Z List of Common Business Idioms and Phrases
Knowing business idioms can help non-native speakers sound more fluent and confident, while for native English speakers, it ensures clarity and strengthens their ability to persuade and motivate.
Business idioms are frequently used in professional settings – from boardroom discussions and negotiations to emails and casual workplace conversations – to describe situations, concepts, and strategies.
Many of them are among the most commonly used English idioms. By familiarizing yourself with them you’ll be better equipped to navigate the sometimes complex landscape of business communication.
So, if you want to impress your colleagues or understand the lingo in your new job, read on!
1. A Ballpark Figure
Meaning: An approximate number or estimate.
Example: “Can you give me a ballpark figure of the project’s total cost?”
2. A Tough Nut to Crack
Meaning: A difficult problem or person to deal with.
Example: “The new market is proving to be a tough nut to crack.”
3. Ahead of the Curve
Meaning: More advanced or innovative than others.
Example: “Our company needs to stay ahead of the curve in technology.”
4. Ahead of the Pack
Meaning: More successful or innovative than the competition.
Example: “Our new product has kept us ahead of the pack in the industry.”
5. Back to Square One
Meaning: To start over from the beginning.
Example: “Our plan didn’t work out, so it’s back to square one on the marketing campaign.”
6. Back to the Drawing Board
Meaning: To start over because a previous attempt failed.
Example: “The client rejected our proposal, so it’s back to the drawing board.”
7. Backlog
Meaning: Accumulated work or tasks that need to be completed.
Example: “We need to clear this backlog before we can take on new clients.”
8. Ballpark Number/Figure
Meaning: An approximate estimate or guess.
Example: “Can you give me a ballpark number of the costs involved?”
9. Behind the Scenes
Meaning: Activities that occur out of public view.
Example: “There’s a lot of hard work behind the scenes to make this event successful.”
10. Big Picture
Meaning: The overall perspective or long-term view of a situation.
Example: “Let’s not get bogged down in details and look at the big picture.”
11. Blue Sky Thinking
Meaning: Creative thinking that is not limited by current beliefs or practices.
Example: “We need some blue sky thinking to solve this issue.”
12. Bottom Line
Meaning: The most important fact or outcome; financial profit or loss.
Example: “The bottom line is that we need to increase our sales.”
13. Break Even
Meaning: To neither make a profit nor incur a loss.
Example: “We need to sell 1,000 units to break even.”
14. By the Book
Meaning: To follow the rules or regulations exactly.
Example: “Our auditor is very strict and does everything by the book.”
15. Call it a Day
Meaning: To stop working on something.
Example: “Let’s call it a day and finish the rest tomorrow.”
16. Change of Pace
Meaning: A shift in activity or approach.
Example: “The new project will be a nice change of pace from our usual work.”
17. Circle Back
Meaning: To return to a previous topic or issue.
Example: “Let’s circle back to the budget discussion after lunch.”
18. Clear the Air
Meaning: To resolve any misunderstandings or tension.
Example: “We need to clear the air before we move forward with this project.”
19. Corner the Market
Meaning: To dominate a particular market.
Example: “Our goal is to corner the market on eco-friendly products.”
20. Crunch the Numbers
Meaning: To perform detailed calculations or analyses.
Example: “We need to crunch the numbers before making a final decision.”
21. Cut Corners
Meaning: To do something in the easiest or most inexpensive way.
Example: “We can’t afford to cut corners on this quality inspection.”
22. Cut-Throat
Meaning: Very competitive and ruthless.
Example: “The competition in this industry is cut-throat.”
23. Cut to the Chase
Meaning: To get to the point without wasting time.
Example: “Let’s cut to the chase and discuss the main issues.”
24. Dot Your I’s and Cross Your T’s
Meaning: To pay attention to details.
Example: “Make sure you dot your i’s and cross your t’s before submitting the report.”
25. Down the Line
Meaning: In the future.
Example: “This decision will benefit us down the line.”
26. Drag One’s Feet
Meaning: To delay or be slow in doing something.
Example: “We can’t drag our feet on this project; the deadline is approaching.”
27. Eager Beaver
Meaning: A person who is very enthusiastic and hard-working.
Example: “She’s an eager beaver and always the first to arrive at work.”
28. Easy Come, Easy Go
Meaning: Something gained easily can be lost easily.
Example: “He wasn’t too upset about losing the money; he said, ‘easy come, easy go.'”
29. Face the Music
Meaning: To confront the consequences of one’s actions.
Example: “We have to face the music and admit our mistakes to the client.”
30. Fast Track
Meaning: To speed up the process of something.
Example: “We need to fast track this project to meet the deadline.”
31. Fill Someone In
Meaning: To provide someone with necessary information.
Example: “Can you fill me in on the details of the meeting?”
32. Game Plan
Meaning: A strategy or plan for achieving success.
Example: “What’s our game plan for the new product launch?”
33. Get Down to Business
Meaning: To start working seriously on something.
Example: “Let’s get down to business and start the meeting.”
34. Get the Ball Rolling
Meaning: To start something.
Example: “We need to get the ball rolling on this new campaign.”
35. Get Something Off the Ground
Meaning: To start a project or business.
Example: “It took a lot of effort, but we finally got the new branch off the ground.”
36. Go Down the Drain
Meaning: To be wasted or lost.
Example: “All our efforts will go down the drain if we don’t get funding.”
37. Go the Extra Mile
Meaning: To make a special effort to achieve something.
Example: “Our customer service team always goes the extra mile.”
38. Go Through the Roof
Meaning: To rise to a very high level.
Example: “Sales have gone through the roof since the new product launch.”
39. Gray Area
Meaning: Something that is not clearly defined.
Example: “There’s a lot of gray area in the new regulations.”
40. Hands Are Tied
Meaning: Unable to act due to restrictions or limitations.
Example: “I’d love to help, but my hands are tied by company policy.”
41. Hit the Ground Running
Meaning: To start something and proceed at a fast pace.
Example: “We need to hit the ground running with this new project.”
42. In a Nutshell
Meaning: In a brief summary.
Example: “In a nutshell, we need to increase our sales by 20%.”
43. In Full Swing
Meaning: At the peak of activity.
Example: “The conference is in full swing and everything is going smoothly.”
44. In the Driver’s Seat
Meaning: In control of a situation.
Example: “With the new promotion, she’s in the driver’s seat now.”
45. In the Loop
Meaning: Informed and involved in a particular matter.
Example: “Keep me in the loop about any changes to the schedule.”
46. Keep Your Eye on the Ball
Meaning: To stay focused on the main objective.
Example: “We need to keep our eye on the ball and not get distracted.”
47. Learn the Ropes
Meaning: To learn how to do a particular job or task.
Example: “It will take a few weeks for the new hires to learn the ropes.”
48. Let’s Get the Ball Rolling
Meaning: To start an activity or process.
Example: “The project deadline is tight, so let’s get the ball rolling as soon as possible.”
49. Long Shot
Meaning: An attempt or effort that has a low probability of success.
Example: “It’s a long shot, but we should try to win that contract.”
50. Make a Killing
Meaning: To achieve significant financial success.
Example: “They made a killing with their new software product.”
51. Miss the Boat
Meaning: To miss an opportunity.
Example: “We need to act fast, or we’ll miss the boat on this investment.”
52. Move the Goalposts
Meaning: To change the rules or targets in a way that makes something more difficult.
Example: “Every time we meet their demands, they move the goalposts.”
53. No-Brainer
Meaning: Something that is very obvious or easy.
Example: “Accepting their offer was a no-brainer.”
54. No Strings Attached
Meaning: Without any conditions or obligations.
Example: “They offered us the sponsorship deal with no strings attached.”
55. Not Going to Fly
Meaning: Not going to work or be accepted.
Example: “That excuse is not going to fly with the boss.”
56. On the Same Page
Meaning: In agreement or understanding with others.
Example: “Let’s make sure we’re all on the same page before we proceed.”
57. Out in the Open
Meaning: Exposed or revealed.
Example: “We need to get these issues out in the open to resolve them.”
58. Out of the Loop
Meaning: Not informed about something.
Example: “I’ve been out of the loop since I was on vacation.”
59. Put All One’s Eggs in One Basket
Meaning: To risk everything on a single venture.
Example: “Diversify your investments; don’t put all your eggs in one basket.”
60. Put the Cart Before the Horse
Meaning: To do things in the wrong order.
Example: “Planning the celebration before signing the contract is putting the cart before the horse.”
61. Raise the Bar
Meaning: To set a higher standard.
Example: “Our new product aims to raise the bar in the industry.”
62. Read Between the Lines
Meaning: To understand the hidden meaning or truth.
Example: “You need to read between the lines to grasp the full implications.”
63. Red Tape
Meaning: Excessive bureaucracy or adherence to rules.
Example: “We need to cut through the red tape to get this project approved.”
64. Rock the Boat
Meaning: To cause problems or disrupt a situation.
Example: “Let’s not rock the boat until the deal is finalized.”
65. Roll Up Your Sleeves
Meaning: To prepare to work hard.
Example: “It’s time to roll up our sleeves and tackle this challenge.”
66. Safe Bet
Meaning: Something that is likely to be successful.
Example: “Investing in technology stocks is a safe bet these days.”
67. Same Boat
Meaning: In the same situation as others.
Example: “We’re all in the same boat when it comes to budget cuts.”
68. See Eye to Eye
Meaning: To agree with someone.
Example: “They didn’t see eye to eye on the new marketing strategy.”
69. See Something Through
Meaning: To continue doing something until it is finished.
Example: “We need to see this project through to the end.”
70. Sever Ties
Meaning: To end a relationship or agreement.
Example: “We decided to sever ties with the supplier due to quality issues.”
71. Shoot Something Down
Meaning: To reject or criticize something.
Example: “The board shot down our proposal.”
72. Sit on the Fence
Meaning: To be undecided or not to take sides.
Example: “You can’t sit on the fence any longer; you need to decide.”
73. Small Talk
Meaning: Light, casual conversation typically about non-controversial topics, often used to break the ice and establish rapport.
Example: “We engaged in some small talk about the weather before starting the meeting.”
74. Smooth Sailing
Meaning: A situation without problems or difficulties.
Example: “After the initial hiccups, it was smooth sailing.”
75. Stand Your Ground
Meaning: To maintain your position or viewpoint.
Example: “Despite the criticism, she stood her ground on the issue.”
76. Step Up to the Plate
Meaning: To take responsibility or initiative.
Example: “We need someone to step up to the plate and lead this project.”
77. Take it Offline
Meaning: To discuss something privately or at a later time.
Example: “Let’s take it offline and discuss the details after the meeting.”
78. Take the Bull by the Horns
Meaning: To confront a problem directly.
Example: “We need to take the bull by the horns and address the budget issues.”
79. Talk Someone into Something
Meaning: To persuade someone to do something.
Example: “He talked me into investing in the new venture.”
80. Talk Someone Out of Something
Meaning: To persuade someone not to do something.
Example: “I managed to talk her out of quitting her job.”
81. The Ball is in Your Court
Meaning: It is now your responsibility to take action.
Example: “I’ve done my part, so the ball is in your court.”
82. The Elephant in the Room
Meaning: An obvious problem or issue that people avoid discussing.
Example: “We need to address the elephant in the room—the declining sales figures.”
83. The Eleventh Hour
Meaning: At the last possible moment.
Example: “They submitted their proposal at the eleventh hour.”
84. Think Outside the Box
Meaning: To think creatively and innovatively.
Example: “We need to think outside the box to solve this problem.”
85. Time is Money
Meaning: Time is a valuable resource, and wasting time is equivalent to losing money.
Example: “We need to streamline our processes because time is money in this industry.”
86. Time’s Up
Meaning: The allotted time has ended.
Example: “Time’s up for submitting your applications.”
87. Touch Base
Meaning: To make contact or communicate with someone.
Example: “Let’s touch base next week to review the progress.”
88. Twist Someone’s Arm
Meaning: To persuade someone to do something.
Example: “I’ll try to twist his arm to get him to attend the meeting.”
89. Up in the Air
Meaning: Uncertain or undecided.
Example: “The plans are still up in the air.”
90. Uphill Battle
Meaning: A difficult struggle or challenge.
Example: “Convincing the board to change their minds will be an uphill battle.”
91. Upper Hand
Meaning: To have control or an advantage in a situation.
Example: “With our new patent, we have the upper hand in the market.”
92. Up to Speed
Meaning: Fully informed or up-to-date with the latest information or developments.
Example: “We need to get the new team member up to speed on the project before the next meeting.”
93. Word of Mouth
Meaning: Information spread by people talking to each other.
Example: “Our business relies heavily on word of mouth for new clients.”
Conclusion: Time’s Up
That ends our list of business idioms. Whether you’re aiming to raise the bar in your communication skills or striving to ensure everyone is on the same page, these idioms can hopefully give you the upper hand and allow you to impress everyone with your new vocabulary.
So, don’t let this opportunity go down the drain. Take the time to learn these idioms and expressions and see how they can enhance your professional interactions, making your climb up the corporate ladder a bit more like smooth sailing.
James has been helping people teach English abroad for over twelve years. He’s traveled to over 30 countries, lived in 3, and taught English in Chile and online.
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