In the world of business, there are many special phrases, or “idioms,” that people use to talk about their work and ideas in a fun and interesting way. Imagine if you could say “It’s raining cats and dogs” when it’s really just raining very hard. Just like that, in business, we have our own colorful expressions to explain complicated ideas simply.
Today, we’re going to explore some of these fascinating idioms that make talking about business not only easier but also more enjoyable. Whether you’re just starting to learn English, or you’re a young student eager to expand your vocabulary, these idioms will add some exciting new words to your English toolkit. So, let’s dive into the vibrant world of business idioms and discover how they can make learning English a fun adventure!
What Does Means Business?
Business refers to the organized efforts and activities of individuals to produce and sell goods and services for profit. It encompasses everything from small personal ventures to large corporations operating globally, focusing on satisfying customer needs and achieving financial success.
Idioms About Business
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Bottom Line
Meaning: Profitability
- Our bottom line exceeds last quarter.
- Improving the bottom line remains essential.
- Focus efforts on the bottom line.
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Game Changer
Meaning: Transformative
- This software is a game changer.
- A real game changer for us.
- Their decision was a game changer.
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Think Outside the Box
Meaning: Creatively
- They really think outside the box.
- Encourage staff to think outside the box.
- Solutions come from thinking outside the box.
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Go the Extra Mile
Meaning: Beyond
- Always willing to go the extra mile.
- Going the extra mile improves service.
- They go the extra mile regularly.
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Win-Win Situation
Meaning: Beneficial
- This partnership is a win-win situation.
- Aim for a win-win negotiation outcome.
- Found a win-win solution eventually.
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Back to the Drawing Board
Meaning: Restart
- Failed attempt, back to the drawing board.
- Project flopped, back to the drawing board.
- It’s back to the drawing board again.
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Big Picture
Meaning: Overview
- Focus on the big picture only.
- He always sees the big picture.
- Understanding the big picture is crucial.
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By the Book
Meaning: Methodically
- Always does things by the book.
- Approaching this situation by the book.
- She prefers working by the book.
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Cut Corners
Meaning: Shortcut
- Cutting corners can reduce quality.
- They never cut corners on safety.
- To save time, they cut corners.
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In the Red
Meaning: Losses
- The company is currently in the red.
- Operating in the red this quarter.
- They’ve been in the red before.
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In the Black
Meaning: Profitable
- Finally, we are in the black.
- The ledger stays in the black.
- Our goal is staying in the black.
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On the Same Page
Meaning: Agreed
- We need to get on the same page.
- Finally, they’re on the same page.
- Are everyone on the same page?
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Raise the Bar
Meaning: Enhance
- They continually raise the bar.
- New standards raise the bar.
- Aim to raise the bar annually.
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Set the Pace
Meaning: Lead
- Our product will set the pace.
- She always sets the pace.
- Innovation helps us set the pace.
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Touch Base
Meaning: Contact
- Let’s touch base next week.
- He’ll touch base with you tomorrow.
- We should touch base regularly.
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No Brainer
Meaning: Obvious
- It was a no brainer decision.
- Choosing him was a no brainer.
- The upgrade is a no brainer.
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Ballpark Figure
Meaning: Estimate
- Can you give a ballpark figure?
- Just need a ballpark figure now.
- His estimate was in the ballpark.
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Crunch Time
Meaning: Critical
- It’s crunch time for the team.
- We’re in crunch time now.
- Approaching crunch time next quarter.
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Move the Needle
Meaning: Impact
- This policy will move the needle.
- Struggling to move the needle.
- Need results that move the needle.
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On Board
Meaning: Joined
- Glad to have you on board.
- They’re on board with the plan.
- We got everyone on board quickly.
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Round the Clock
Meaning: Continuously
- Working round the clock to finish.
- Support is available round the clock.
- They monitored round the clock.
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Seal the Deal
Meaning: Finalize
- We managed to seal the deal.
- Just need to seal the deal.
- They sealed the deal yesterday.
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Shake Things Up
Meaning: Revitalize
- Time to shake things up here.
- He really shook things up.
- A strategy to shake things up.
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Step Up
Meaning: Improve
- We must step up our efforts.
- He stepped up during the crisis.
- Everyone needs to step up now.
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Take Stock
Meaning: Evaluate
- Time to take stock of inventory.
- We should take stock annually.
- He’s taking stock of the situation.
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The Extra Mile
Meaning: Beyond
- Always goes the extra mile.
- Commitment to go the extra mile.
- They really went the extra mile.
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Up to Speed
Meaning: Informed
- Getting everyone up to speed.
- Keep the team up to speed.
- He’s up to speed with changes.
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Value Proposition
Meaning: Offer
- Improve our value proposition.
- The product’s value proposition is strong.
- What’s your value proposition here?
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Venture Capital
Meaning: Investment
- Seeking more venture capital.
- They obtained venture capital.
- Venture capital boosts startups.
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White Elephant
Meaning: Burdensome
- That project became a white elephant.
- Avoid investing in white elephants.
- It’s a costly white elephant.
Explore More Idioms