Business Idioms That'll Impress Your Supervisor & Colleagues!

A piece of cake: Something that is very easy to do or accomplish. 

Example: "Don't worry about that task; it's a piece of cake. You'll finish it in no time."

Break the ice: To initiate a conversation or activity in a social or business setting to make people feel more comfortable. 

Example: "During the networking event, John told a joke to break the ice and start engaging with potential clients."

Think outside the box: To approach a problem or situation in an unconventional or innovative way. 

Example: "We need fresh ideas for the marketing campaign. Let's encourage the team to think outside the box."

Get down to business: To focus on the main topic or purpose of a meeting or discussion. 

Example: "After some small talk, the team got down to business and started discussing the project details."

Ballpark figure: An approximate or rough estimate, especially regarding costs or numbers. 

Example: "Can you give me a ballpark figure of the budget required for this project?"

Cutting corners: To take shortcuts or reduce costs at the expense of quality or safety. 

Example: "We can't afford to cut corners on the production process; we need to maintain the product's quality."

On the same page: To have a shared understanding or agreement on a particular issue. 

Example: "Before moving forward with the project, let's ensure that everyone is on the same page regarding the objectives."

In the red: To be in debt or to have financial losses. 

Example: "The company has been struggling, and it's been in the red for the past two quarters."

Break-even: To reach a point where income equals expenses, resulting in neither a profit nor a loss. 

Example: "We need to sell 500 units to break even and start making a profit."

Call the shots: To make important decisions or be in control of a situation. 

Example: "As the project manager, Sarah gets to call the shots and determine the project's direction."

Keep someone in the loop: To keep someone informed about updates or developments. 

Example: "Make sure to keep the marketing team in the loop about any changes in the campaign strategy."

Cut one's losses: To stop investing time or resources in a failing project to minimize further losses. 

Example: "After months of unsuccessful negotiations, the company decided to cut their losses and end the partnership."

Close the deal: To finalize a business agreement or transaction successfully. 

Example: "The sales representative worked hard to close the deal and secure the new client."

Face the music: To accept the consequences of one's actions, even if they are unpleasant. 

Example: "After the project's failure, the team had to face the music and explain the situation to the management."

Get the ball rolling: To start a process or initiate an activity. 

Example: "Let's get the ball rolling on the new product development by setting up a brainstorming session."

Go the extra mile: To make additional efforts beyond what is expected to achieve a goal or satisfy a customer. 

Example: "In customer service, it's essential to go the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction and loyalty."

Hit the ground running: To start a project or new job with great energy and enthusiasm. 

Example: "The new team member hit the ground running and immediately started contributing to the project."

Blue-sky thinking: To think creatively and imaginatively without limitations or constraints. 

Example: "In the brainstorming session, we encouraged blue-sky thinking to generate innovative ideas for the product."

Keep one's eye on the ball: To stay focused on the main objective and not get distracted. 

Example: "Amid all the challenges, it's crucial to keep our eyes on the ball and prioritize the project's goals."

Bottom line: The most important result or the final figure in financial statements. 

Example: "The bottom line is that we need to increase sales to improve the company's profitability."

Climb the corporate ladder: To advance in a company's hierarchy or career through promotions. 

Example: "She started as an intern, but her hard work and dedication helped her climb the corporate ladder."

Get the show on the road: To start an activity or event, especially after delays or preparations. 

Example: "The conference is about to begin. Let's get the show on the road by welcoming the attendees."

Keep the ball rolling: To maintain progress or momentum in a project or task. 

Example: "Now that we've started implementing the changes, let's keep the ball rolling by staying proactive."

Read between the lines: To understand the hidden or implied meaning in communication. 

Example: "During negotiations, it's essential to read between the lines and grasp the other party's true intentions."

Square the circle: To attempt to do something that is impossible or very challenging. 

Example: "Trying to complete this project within such a tight deadline is like trying to square the circle."

To have all one's ducks in a row: To be well-prepared and organized for a task or event. 

Example: "Before the presentation, make sure you have all your ducks in a row to impress the potential investors."

Up in the air: To be uncertain or unresolved. 

Example: "The future of the project is still up in the air as we wait for the final approval."

Water under the bridge: Past issues or conflicts that are no longer relevant or important. 

Example: "Let's not dwell on the past mistakes; they are water under the bridge now."

Put all one's eggs in one basket: To invest all resources or efforts into one single thing, making it risky. 

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

Think on one's feet: To quickly come up with a solution or response in unexpected situations. 

Example: "During the Q&A session, the speaker had to think on her feet to answer challenging questions."