Are you up to speed with the latest business English idioms? Here are some of the top English idioms that you could use in a business context. How many of them do you know?
Let’s get the ball rolling!
1. To get something off the ground = To begin or launch something
I can’t wait to get this project off the ground!
I can’t wait to begin this project!
2. To get the ball rolling = To start, e.g. a meeting or debate
Let’s get the ball rolling.
Let’s start.
3. To think outside the box = To think in an original or left-field / lateral way
Try to think outside the box.
Try to think in an original or unique way.
4. In a nutshell = In short
In a nutshell, I just don’t feel that Martin is right for the position.
In short, I just don’t feel that Martin is right for the position.
5. ASAP = As soon as possible (acronym)
I need that report ASAP!
I need that report as soon as possible.
6. To stand your ground = To have complete confidence in your position or idea
If we stand our ground, they will sign the contract!
If we stick to our position, they will sign the contract!
7. The bottom line = The most important thing / the main priority
‘What’s the bottom line?’ ‘We must send the orders today!’
‘What’s the most important thing?’ ‘We must send the orders today!’
8. The elephant in the room = The uncomfortable truth that nobody wants to acknowledge
The elephant in the room is that we know their sales forecasts!
The thing that nobody wants to mention is that we know their sales forecasts!
9. To corner the market = To become the leading seller of a product
Since 2012 we have been able to corner the market in toothbrush holders.
Since 2012 we have been able to become the leading seller of toothbrush holders.
10. To climb the corporate ladder = To be focused on gaining promotion within a company
John only cares about climbing the corporate ladder.
John only cares about trying to get promoted.
11. To hit the glass ceiling = To reach an artificial limit of promotion, usually due to race, or gender
Alison feels she has hit the glass ceiling at work.
Alison feels she can’t be promoted at work any further, because she is a woman.
12. To be in the red = To be in debt / To be in the black = To be in profit or solvent
No, the company is still in the red, but it could be in the black next month.
No, the company is still in debt, but it could be in profit next month.
13. To get the sack = To lose your job
Billy got the sack yesterday.
Billy lost his job yesterday.
14. To throw in the towel = To quit
I’m just about ready to throw in the towel!
I’m just about ready to quit!
15. To go / get back to the drawing board = To start again