50 Business English Idioms

Idioms are a way to express ideas and concepts that may not be easily understood through literal translations. Understanding and using idioms can greatly enhance your business communication skills. So, let's dive in and explore these idioms along with their examples.

1. Break the ice

Meaning: To initiate or start a conversation in a friendly manner.

Example: "I tried to break the ice by asking about their weekend plans."

2. Think outside the box

Meaning: To think creatively or innovatively.

Example: "We need to think outside the box to come up with a unique marketing strategy."

3. Call it a day

Meaning: To stop working for the day.

Example: "It's getting late, let's call it a day and continue tomorrow."

4. Cut corners

Meaning: To do something in the easiest or cheapest way, often sacrificing quality.

Example: "We can't cut corners on product testing if we want to maintain customer satisfaction."

5. Get the ball rolling

Meaning: To initiate or start a project or activity.

Example: "Let's have a brainstorming session to get the ball rolling on this new project."

6. Hit the ground running

Meaning: To start a new project or job with a lot of energy and enthusiasm.

Example: "Our new team member hit the ground running and made significant contributions from day one."

7. Keep your eyes peeled

Meaning: To be watchful or alert.

Example: "Keep your eyes peeled for any potential opportunities in the market."

8. Make a killing

Meaning: To make a large profit or succeed financially.

Example: "The company made a killing with their latest product launch."

9. On the same page

Meaning: To have a shared understanding or agreement.

Example: "Let's make sure we're all on the same page before moving forward with the project."

10. Think on your feet

Meaning: To think quickly and make decisions in a fast-paced situation.

Example: "During the presentation, she had to think on her feet to answer unexpected questions."

11. Take the bull by the horns

Meaning: To confront and deal with a difficult situation directly.

Example: "Instead of avoiding the issue, it's time to take the bull by the horns and address the problem."

12. Play hardball

Meaning: To act aggressively or tough in negotiations or business dealings.

Example: "They're playing hardball in the contract negotiations, so we need to be prepared."

13. Break a leg

Meaning: To wish someone good luck.

Example: "Break a leg in your presentation tomorrow!"

14. Get down to business

Meaning: To focus on the main task or topic at hand.

Example: "Let's get down to business and discuss the agenda for today's meeting."

15. Keep your fingers crossed

Meaning: To hope for a positive outcome.

Example: "Keep your fingers crossed that we secure the deal with the new client."

16. Pay the price

Meaning: To face the consequences of one's actions.

Example: "If we don't meet the deadline, we'll have to pay the price."

17. Stay ahead of the curve

Meaning: To be more advanced or knowledgeable than others in a particular field.

Example: "Continuous learning is essential to stay ahead of the curve in today's competitive business world."

18. Close the deal

Meaning: To finalize a business agreement or transaction.

Example: "After weeks of negotiations, we finally closed the deal with our new supplier."

19. Pull the plug

Meaning: To stop or end a project or activity.

Example: "Due to financial constraints, we had to pull the plug on the expansion plans."

20. Raise the bar

Meaning: To set higher standards or expectations.

Example: "Our competitor's new product has raised the bar in terms of quality and features."

21. Stick to your guns

Meaning: To firmly hold onto one's position or opinion.

Example: "Even though there was opposition, she stuck to her guns and implemented her ideas."

22. Turn a blind eye

Meaning: To ignore or pretend not to notice something.

Example: "The manager turned a blind eye to the employee's frequent tardiness."

23. Go the extra mile

Meaning: To make additional effort or do more than what is expected.

Example: "In order to impress the client, we need to go the extra mile and deliver exceptional service."

24. Keep your options open

Meaning: To avoid making a final decision and explore different possibilities.

Example: "Don't commit to one supplier just yet, keep your options open for better deals."

25. Put all your eggs in one basket

Meaning: To rely on a single thing or plan, risking everything.

Example: "Diversify your investments so that you don't put all your eggs in one basket."

26. Think big

Meaning: To have ambitious goals or aspirations.

Example: "In order to succeed, we need to think big and aim for the stars."

27. Break the bank

Meaning: To spend a large amount of money.

Example: "The company's new advertising campaign broke the bank, but it generated great results."

28. Get the hang of

Meaning: To become familiar or skilled at something.

Example: "It took me a while, but I finally got the hang of using the new software."

29. Keep your nose to the grindstone

Meaning: To work hard and diligently.

Example: "If you want to succeed, you need to keep your nose to the grindstone and put in the effort."

30. Put your money where your mouth is

Meaning: To back up your words with actions or financial support.

Example: "If you truly believe in the project, put your money where your mouth is and invest in it."

31. Ride the wave

Meaning: To take advantage of a favorable situation or trend.

Example: "Our company rode the wave of the digital revolution and experienced significant growth."

32. Take it to the next level

Meaning: To bring something to a higher or more advanced stage.

Example: "In order to stay competitive, we need to take our marketing efforts to the next level."

33. Cut a deal

Meaning: To negotiate and reach an agreement.

Example: "After hours of discussion, they finally cut a deal that was beneficial for both parties."

34. Get the show on the road

Meaning: To start or initiate an activity or project.

Example: "Enough planning, let's get the show on the road and start implementing our ideas."

35. Keep your head above water

Meaning: To manage to survive or cope with a difficult situation.

Example: "Despite the challenges, the company managed to keep its head above water and stay in business."

36. Put your best foot forward

Meaning: To make a good impression or give your best effort.

Example: "During the job interview, it's important to put your best foot forward and showcase your skills."

37. Roll with the punches

Meaning: To adapt and remain resilient in the face of challenges.

Example: "In this industry, you need to be able to roll with the punches and adapt to changing circumstances."

38. Take the plunge

Meaning: To take a risk or make a bold decision.

Example: "After careful consideration, she decided to take the plunge and start her own business."

39. Cut to the chase

Meaning: To get to the main point or important information.

Example: "Let's cut to the chase and discuss the key findings of the market research."

40. Get the upper hand

Meaning: To gain an advantage over someone or something.

Example: "By offering a better price, we managed to get the upper hand in the negotiation."

41. Keep up with the Joneses

Meaning: To try to match or keep up with others in terms of success or possessions.

Example: "Don't get caught up in trying to keep up with the Joneses, focus on your own goals."

42. Take the reins

Meaning: To take control or assume leadership.

Example: "After the CEO's retirement, she took the reins and successfully led the company."

43. Be in the driver's seat

Meaning: To be in control or have the power to make decisions.

Example: "With the new promotion, he's now in the driver's seat and can shape the direction of the project."

44. Get your foot in the door

Meaning: To establish an initial connection or opportunity.

Example: "Securing an internship is a great way to get your foot in the door of the industry."

45. Keep your cards close to your chest

Meaning: To keep your plans or intentions secret.

Example: "During negotiations, it's important to keep your cards close to your chest to maintain an advantage."

46. Take the high road

Meaning: To choose the morally right or ethical path.

Example: "Even though they treated us poorly, we decided to take the high road and not seek revenge."

47. Cut your losses

Meaning: To stop investing time or resources in something that is not successful.

Example: "After months of trying, we decided to cut our losses and discontinue the failing product."

48. Get the green light

Meaning: To receive approval or permission to proceed.

Example: "After presenting our proposal, we finally got the green light to start the project."

49. Keep the ball rolling

Meaning: To maintain progress or momentum.

Example: "We've made great progress so far, let's keep the ball rolling and finish the project on time."

50. Take it with a grain of salt

Meaning: To not completely believe or trust something.

Example: "He tends to exaggerate, so take what he says with a grain of salt."