How to Learn & Use Business Idioms
Language and communication is constantly evolving.
If you want to sound like a native English speaker in the business world, it’s important to know common business idioms.
Here are explanations of some business idioms that will help you understand what people are saying, and how to use them yourself.
- On the same page
If two or more people are on the same page, they have a shared understanding or goal.
“We need to make sure we’re all on the same page before we move forward with this project.”
2. Get your ducks in a row
This idiom means to get organized and be prepared before taking action.
“Make sure you get your ducks in a row before you present your proposal to the client.”
3. Kill two birds with one stone
To accomplish two tasks at once.
“By holding the meeting via conference call, we can kill two birds with one stone.”
4. That’ll be the day!
This expression is used to describe something that will never happen.
“I’m never going to finish this project on time…that’ll be the day!”
5. Get your feet wet
To start doing something, usually in order to gain experience.
“I’m just getting my feet wet in this industry.”
Using Idioms in Real Business Situations
It’s not uncommon for people in business meetings, presentations, or negotiations to use idioms, so don’t worry if you feel the speaker is speaking a different language but it is English!
Idioms are phrases that have a meaning that is different from the literal meaning of the words that make it up. They are often used to add color or emphasis to what someone is saying.
For example, if you told your boss “I’m pulling out all the stops,” you would be telling them that you’re going to try really hard to achieve something.
While idioms can be helpful in adding flavor to your speech, they can also be dangerous if you’re not careful.
That’s because many idioms are specific to certain cultures or regions, which can make them difficult for people from other areas to understand.
For example, in the United States we might say “that’ll cost an arm and a leg” to describe something that is very expensive.
But in some other countries this phrase might be taken literally!
So if you’re doing business internationally, it’s important to be aware of these cultural differences and avoid using idioms that could cause confusion or offense.
Here are some more common business idioms and what they mean:
Hit the ground running: To start working on something immediately and with a lot of energy
Bring home the bacon: To earn money
Call it a day: To stop working on something for the day
Get your ducks in a row: To get everything organized
Go above and beyond: To do more than what is required
Examples of Usage
As a business professional, you will likely come across many idioms in your line of work. Here are a few examples of common business idioms and their meanings:
“Hit the ground running”
— this means to start working on something immediately, with no time wasted.
“Bring home the bacon”
— this means to earn an income, usually through hard work.
“Call the shots”
— this means to be in charge or control of a situation.
“Cost an arm and a leg”
— this means to be very expensive.
“Cutting corners”
— this means to do something in a cheaper or easier way, even if it’s not the best quality.
“Get your ducks in a row”
— this means to get everything organized and ready to go.
“In the black”
— this means to be profitable or in good financial shape.
“On the same page”
— this means to be in agreement with someone, or to have a shared understanding.
I hope now we are both on the same page, you can use these idioms to think outside the box and make sure your English brings home the bacon!
