10 Common idioms for business

Idiomatic expressions are particularly useful in a business context. Sometimes there just isn’t another way of saying the same thing unless we use a few sentences instead of just one expression. Here we take a look at 10 common idioms for business.

Back in September we wrote a blog about idioms for general conversation. This might be worth a read too!

Back to the drawing board

To go back to the drawing board means to start over and look at a failed idea in a new way. You can also use this phrase when you need to rethink a decision.

e.g. Sarah thought her new invention would work this time but it displayed an error message and wouldn’t proceed. It looks like she will have to go back to the drawing board and try something else.

Learn the ropes

This idiom means to learn how to do your job or a particular task, especially if you have no previous experience.

e.g. When Bob started his new job in the factory, his boss said he would need four or five days to learn the ropes. The machinery is quite complex.

Cut corners

To do something the easiest or quickest way. However, it can mean that things aren’t done carefully as they should be.

e.g. The company had cut corners so that was why the toy fell apart after only a few months.

On the same page

This expression means to be in agreement or to hold the same views about something with others.

e.g. All the employees were on the same page when it came to giving them a big bonus.

Ballpark figure

This business English idiom is mostly used in the US and means a rough estimate when it comes to numbers.

e.g. He wasn’t sure exactly how much the project would cost as it was intricate. The client just asked him to give him a ballpark figure to give them a rough idea.

Up to speed

To be familiar with current information.

e.g. Jethro had been out of the office for a few days on holiday but his boss soon brought him up to speed on the project.

In the loop

When a person is ‘in the loop’ they are informed and updated in real time regarding an idea, project, or event.

e.g. The boss kept Rachel in the loop about the project even though she was on holiday.

Hands are tied

You might find yourself in a situation at work where you can’t give people what they want.

e.g. ‘I can’t get the product to you by Saturday I’m afraid as the courier has a problem. I’m sorry I’m afraid my hands are tied, it won’t be with you in time.’

By the book

To follow the rules or regulations exactly.

e.g. To complete the project it will take a long time. They have to have several meetings with government officials to get approval for each stage. Everything has to be done by the book otherwise safety might be compromised.

Get the ball rolling

To start something or begin a process. When you want to get things done, this idiom is a good one to use.

e.g. First of all we need to get the ball rolling until we can think about a deadline for the end of the project.

10 more common idioms for business (almost) on our podcast

Back in June 2023 we released a podcast episode on ’10 English idioms you can use at work’. There are a couple of them listed above so there aren’t quite 10 new ones! If you aren’t sure about them here though and would like to discover some more then have a listen.