Business English Idioms – Introduction
Have you ever been in a business meeting where colleagues throw around phrases like “We need a ballpark figure” or “Let’s not put all our eggs in one basket” and felt a little lost? Business English idioms are essential for effective communication in the workplace, helping you sound more natural and confident in professional conversations.
If you’ve already mastered some basic business English idioms, it’s time to take your skills to the next level. In this article, we’ll introduce 25 advanced business idioms that will make your English sound more fluent and polished.
If you’re looking for more essential idioms, check out my previous article on Business Idioms for English Success.
And if you want to practise these expressions with other professionals, join our exclusive Business English Community today!
25 Advanced Business Idioms Every Professional Should Know
Ahead of the pack
🔹 Meaning: To be more successful than competitors.
🔹 Example: Thanks to their innovative marketing strategy, the company is miles ahead of the pack.
💡 Why it matters: In business, staying ahead of the competition is crucial, and this idiom is perfect for describing market leaders.
Back to square one
🔹 Meaning: To start over after a failed attempt.
🔹 Example: Our proposal was rejected, so we’re back to square one.
💡 Use it when: A project or plan fails, and you need to start again from the beginning.
Ballpark figure
🔹 Meaning: An approximate estimate.
🔹 Example: Can you give me a ballpark figure for the annual budget?
💡 UK vs US: This idiom is commonly used in both regions but originates from American baseball.
Corner the market
🔹 Meaning: To dominate a particular industry or sector.
🔹 Example: With their latest acquisition, they’ve practically cornered the market on organic cosmetics.
💡 Why it’s useful: Businesses strive to gain a competitive advantage, and this phrase describes that dominance.
Cut-throat
🔹 Meaning: Extremely competitive and ruthless.
🔹 Example: The fashion industry is known for being cut-throat.
💡 Use it when: Describing industries or markets where competition is fierce.
Game plan
🔹 Meaning: A strategy for achieving success.
🔹 Example: Before we meet the investors, we need a solid game plan.
💡 Why it’s useful: This sports-related idiom is great for discussing strategic business decisions.
Get down to business
🔹 Meaning: To stop wasting time and start working on something important.
🔹 Example: Let’s skip the small talk and get down to business.
💡 Use it when: You want to focus on the main topic of discussion.
Get something off the ground
🔹 Meaning: To start a project successfully.
🔹 Example: We need more funding to get our new product off the ground.
💡 When to use it: When discussing launching a new venture or initiative.
Go down the drain
🔹 Meaning: Something wasted or lost.
🔹 Example: All our hard work will go down the drain if the deal doesn’t go through.
💡 Why it’s useful: This idiom expresses frustration over wasted efforts.
Go the extra mile
🔹 Meaning: To make more effort than expected.
🔹 Example: She always goes the extra mile to keep clients happy.
💡 Business tip: Employers love employees who are willing to go the extra mile.
Hands are tied
🔹 Meaning: Being unable to act due to restrictions.
🔹 Example: I’d love to approve your request, but my hands are tied.
💡 Perfect for: Explaining when bureaucratic rules prevent action.
In full swing
🔹 Meaning: Something is at its peak level of activity.
🔹 Example: The holiday sales season is now in full swing.
💡 When to use it: When business operations or projects are at their busiest.
Keep one’s eye on the ball
🔹 Meaning: To stay focused on an important goal.
🔹 Example: With so many distractions, it’s hard to keep my eye on the ball.
💡 Use it when: Emphasising the need for concentration.
Learn the ropes
🔹 Meaning: To learn how a job or task is done.
🔹 Example: It took me a few months to learn the ropes in my new role.
💡 Common in: Workplace training and onboarding.
Long shot
🔹 Meaning: An attempt with a low probability of success.
🔹 Example: Convincing the CEO to invest will be a long shot, but we should try.
No-brainer
🔹 Meaning: A decision that is very obvious.
🔹 Example: Expanding into the Asian market is a no-brainer for us.
No strings attached
🔹 Meaning: Without any hidden conditions.
🔹 Example: The company is offering a free trial with no strings attached.
Not going to fly
🔹 Meaning: Something that is unlikely to work.
🔹 Example: Your proposal is not going to fly with the senior management.
Out in the open
🔹 Meaning: Something revealed publicly.
🔹 Example: The merger details are now out in the open.
Put all one’s eggs in one basket
🔹 Meaning: To risk everything on one opportunity.
🔹 Example: Investors should diversify instead of putting all their eggs in one basket.
Put the cart before the horse
🔹 Meaning: Doing things in the wrong order.
🔹 Example: Launching marketing before the product is ready is putting the cart before the horse.
Rock the boat
🔹 Meaning: To cause trouble or controversy.
🔹 Example: He doesn’t want to rock the boat before the board meeting.
Safe bet
🔹 Meaning: Something that is likely to succeed.
🔹 Example: Investing in tech companies is usually a safe bet.
See eye to eye
🔹 Meaning: To agree completely.
🔹 Example: The partners don’t always see eye to eye on financial decisions.
Sever ties
🔹 Meaning: To end a business relationship.
🔹 Example: We had to sever ties with the supplier due to quality issues.
Business English Idioms – Conclusion
Mastering business idioms will help you communicate more effectively, sound more fluent, and confidently navigate professional conversations.
If you want to practise these idioms in real business situations and connect with professionals worldwide, join our Business English Community today! Click here to learn more.
