Business English Idioms and Slang – Introduction
Do you want to sound more natural and more confident when speaking Business English?
Are you looking for a way to make a real impression in your next business meeting or presentation?
One of the best ways to do this is to learn some of the most common Business English idioms and slang.
Idioms and slang expressions are an integral component of communication in any language, and Business English is no exception. Such expressions are used to succinctly express ideas while also providing a creative angle, making conversations more engaging.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most popular Business English idioms and slang, and provide you with examples of how to use them.
What are idioms and slangs?
Idioms are expressions that have a figurative meaning, which is different from the literal meaning of the words that make them up.
For example, the phrase “it’s raining cats and dogs” is an idiom which means that it’s raining heavily.
Slang, on the other hand, is more informal language used to express ideas in a more casual way.
For more information on general idiom usage, please check out this post, or Wikipedia.
50 Common Business English Idioms and Slangs
There are many different Business English idioms and slang expressions that you can use to make your conversations more interesting and to express yourself in a more creative way.
Here are 50 examples of the most popular Business English idioms and slangs:
- “A Piece of Cake” – This idiom is used to describe a task that is considered to be very easy. For example, “The interview was a piece of cake – I nailed it!”
- “Hit the Ground Running” – This idiom is used to describe someone who is starting a new job or project and is immediately productive and successful. For example, “John hit the ground running in his new job – he’s already making a real impact.”
- “On the Same Page” – This idiom is used to describe two or more people who understand each other and are in agreement on a certain topic. For example, “We need to make sure that everyone is on the same page before we move forward.”
- “Back to the Drawing Board” – This idiom is used to describe when a plan or idea has failed and needs to be revised or completely redone. For example, “The project didn’t go as planned, so we’re back to the drawing board.”
- “Brainstorm” – This verb is used to describe a group of people coming together to generate ideas for a project or problem. For example, “Let’s brainstorm some ideas for the new marketing campaign.”
- “In the Loop” – This idiom is used to describe someone who is informed about the progress of a project or task. For example, “Make sure you keep me in the loop about the project’s progress.”
- “Close the Deal” – This idiom is used to describe the successful completion of a negotiation or agreement. For example, “We finally closed the deal after weeks of negotiations.”
- “Call the Shots” – This idiom is used to describe someone who is in control and makes all the decisions. For example, “The CEO calls the shots in this company.”
- “Think Outside the Box” – This idiom is used to describe someone who comes up with innovative and creative ideas. For example, “We need someone who can think outside the box to come up with a new solution.”
- “Go the Extra Mile” – This idiom is used to describe someone who goes above and beyond what is expected of them. For example, “John always goes the extra mile to make sure the job is done right.”
- “Under the Radar” – This idiom is used to describe something that is happening without anyone noticing. For example, “They managed to launch the new product without anyone noticing – they kept it under the radar.”
- “Jump on the Bandwagon” – This idiom is used to describe when someone joins a trend or idea that is already popular. For example, “Everyone jumped on the bandwagon after the company’s success.”
- “Run the Show” – This idiom is used to describe someone who is in charge of a project or organization. For example, “John runs the show in the accounting department.”
- “Take It to the Next Level” – This idiom is used to describe when something is improved or made more successful. For example, “We need to take this project to the next level if we want it to be successful.”
- “Red Tape” – This idiom is used to describe bureaucracy or paperwork that is required to do something. For example, “The company was held back by red tape when they tried to expand into the new market.”
- “Take a Rain Check” – This idiom is used to politely decline an invitation or offer. For example, “I’d love to join you for lunch, but I have to take a rain check for today.”
- “Cutting Edge” – This idiom is used to describe something that is new and innovative. For example, “The company is developing some really cutting-edge technology.”
- “Burn the Midnight Oil” – This idiom is used to describe someone who is working late into the night. For example, “We’ve been burning the midnight oil to get the project done on time.”
- “Bite Off More Than You Can Chew” – This idiom is used to describe someone who has taken on too much work. For example, “John bit off more than he could chew when he took on the extra project.”
- “On the Same Wavelength” – This idiom is used to describe two or more people who understand each other and are in agreement on a certain topic. For example, “We were all on the same wavelength during the meeting – it was a productive discussion.”
- “It’s Not Rocket Science” – This idiom is used to describe something that is not difficult to understand or do. For example, “Setting up a website isn’t rocket science – it’s actually quite easy.”
- “Get the Ball Rolling” – This idiom is used to describe when something is started. For example, “Let’s get the ball rolling on the new project.”
- “Brain Drain” – This idiom is used to describe when talented people move away from an area or company. For example, “There’s been a brain drain in the company since the new CEO took over.”
- “Think on Your Feet” – This idiom is used to describe someone who can make quick decisions. For example, “John is great at thinking on his feet – he can make decisions quickly.”
- “In the Driver’s Seat” – This idiom is used to describe someone who is in control of a situation. For example, “John is in the driver’s seat when it comes to the project – he makes all the decisions.”
- “Pull Out All the Stops” – This idiom is used to describe when someone works very hard to achieve something. For example, “We need to pull out all the stops if we want to complete the project on time.”
- “Jump Ship” – This idiom is used to describe when someone leaves a company or organization. For example, “John decided to jump ship and find a new job.”
- “Take It with a Grain of Salt” – This idiom is used to describe when someone doesn’t take something seriously or believes something with caution. For example, “I heard that the project was cancelled, but take it with a grain of salt.”
- “Get the Show on the Road” – This idiom is used to describe when something begins or starts. For example, “Let’s get the show on the road – we have a lot to do today.”
- “Touch Base” – This idiom is used to describe when someone meets or contacts someone in order to check on their progress or status. For example, “Let’s touch base tomorrow to see how the project is going.”
- Cut to the Chase – This idiom is used to tell someone to get to the point quickly. For example, “Let’s cut to the chase – what do you need from me?”
- Get the Ball Rolling – This idiom is used to describe when something is started. For example, “Let’s get the ball rolling on the new project.”
- Netflix and Chill – This idiom is used to describe when someone invites someone else to watch a movie or TV show together. For example, “Do you want to come over and Netflix and chill?”
- Catch a Break – This idiom is used to describe when someone has a stroke of luck or a fortunate event. For example, “We finally caught a break when the project was approved.”
- Push the Envelope – This idiom is used to describe when someone does something new or innovative. For example, “The company is always pushing the envelope with their products.”
- Hit the Nail on the Head – This idiom is used to describe when someone says something that is exactly right. For example, “You hit the nail on the head with your comment – that’s exactly what we need to do.”
- Ride the Wave – This idiom is used to describe when someone takes advantage of a situation and makes the most of it. For example, “The company is riding the wave of success right now.”
- “Run It Up the Flagpole” – This idiom is used to describe when someone suggests an idea to see if it will be accepted. For example, “John ran the new idea up the flagpole to see if it would be approved.”
- “Take the Bull by the Horns” – This idiom is used to describe when someone takes control of a situation. For example, “Tom took the bull by the horns and led the project to completion.”
- “Hit the Reset Button” – This idiom is used to describe when something is restarted or reset. For example, “We need to hit the reset button on the project and start from scratch.”
- “Throw in the Towel” – This idiom is used to describe when someone gives up on something. For example, “John was ready to throw in the towel after the project failed.”
- “Chip Away at” – This idiom is used to describe when someone works on something gradually and persistently. For example, “We’ve been chipping away at the project for weeks and continue to make progress.”
- “Throw Money at” – This idiom is used to describe when someone tries to solve a problem by using money instead of finding a real solution. For example, “The company is just throwing money at the problem instead of finding a real solution.”
- “Rise to the Occasion” – This idiom is used to describe when someone does something especially well in a difficult or challenging situation. For example, “John rose to the occasion and completed the project ahead of schedule.”
- “Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is” – This idiom is used to describe when someone puts their money towards something they have been talking about. For example, “John put his money where his mouth is and invested in the new project.”
- “A Bump in the Road” – This idiom is used to describe a minor setback or problem. For example, “We hit a bump in the road, but we’re back on track now.”
- “Take It to the Bank” – This idiom is used to describe something that is reliable. For example, “You can take it to the bank – the project is going to be a success.”
- “Ride the Wave” – This idiom is used to describe when someone takes advantage of a situation and makes the most of it. For example, “The company is riding the wave of success right now.”
- “Between a Rock and a Hard Place” – This idiom is used to describe when someone is faced with two unpleasant options. For example, “John is between a rock and a hard place – he doesn’t know which option to choose.”
- “In the Nick of Time” – This idiom is used to describe when something is done just in time. For example, “John finished the project in the nick of time – he barely made the deadline.”
Did I miss one of your favourite business English idioms? If so, please use the comments section and let me know.
Using Idioms and Slang in Business English
Now that you’ve learned some of the most popular Business English idioms and slang, let’s look at some tips for using them in your conversations.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Be careful not to overuse idioms and slang
When utilizing business English idioms and slang expressions, it is important to be mindful of not overusing them. Doing so can result in conversations that sound unnatural and hinder understanding. For instance, constantly employing the phrase “run the show” in every sentence will make the conversation tiresome and repetitive.
Pay attention to the context
Moreover, it is important to be conscious of the context in which you’re utilizing such expressions. Some business English idioms and slang expressions are only suitable for specific scenarios or with certain individuals.
For instance, the idiom “cut to the chase” is typically used only in casual settings, such as with friends or colleagues. On the other hand, the idiom “get the ball rolling” can also be employed in more formal situations, like a business meeting.
It’s also important to pay attention to the age of the person you’re speaking to. Some idioms and slang expressions are more commonly used by younger generations and may be unfamiliar to older generations. For example, the phrase “Netflix and chill” is a popular phrase used by younger generations, but may be unfamiliar to older generations.
Finally, it is important to be aware of cultural differences when it comes to employing business English idioms and slang expressions. Some expressions may be suitable in one culture, but may not be accepted in another. For example, the phrase “catch a break” is commonly used in the United States, yet may not be as familiar in other parts of the world. Therefore, it is essential to use them appropriately.
Listen to native speakers
A great way to learn idioms and slang is to listen to native English speakers and observe how they use such expressions. Focusing on how native speakers use idioms and slang expressions is an effective way to comprehend them better and learn how to appropriately use them.
When listening to native English speakers, take note of the scenarios in which they use certain idioms and slang expressions, and pay attention to their intonation.
For example, if someone is using the phrase “run the show” in a formal business meeting, they are likely to use a more serious and authoritative tone of voice than if they were utilizing the phrase in an informal conversation with friends.
It is also important to be aware of the age groups of the people you are listening to. As previously mentioned, some idioms and slang expressions are more commonly used by certain age groups, and may be unfamiliar to other age groups.
Practice!
To become comfortable using business English idioms and slang, the best way to do so is to practice using them in conversations.
Business English Idioms and Slang – Summary
Using business English idioms and slang expressions is an important part of mastering Business English.
They can help to make your conversations more interesting and expressive, and they can also help to make a positive impression in business meetings and presentations.
With a little practice, you’ll be using business English idioms and slang like a native English speaker in no time!
