Have you ever wondered why people use idioms? Well, first of all, let’s make it clear what an idiom is:
Longman Dictionary defines an idiom as a group of words that has a special meaning that is different from the ordinary meaning of each separate word. For example, ‘under the weather’ is an idiom meaning ‘ill’.
In the business world or business English, native speakers use them quite a lot, as they summarise the meaning of longer phrases the speakers might want to use. The problem with non-native speakers is that, sometimes, they may want to use an idiom that makes perfect sense in your native language but makes no sense at all in English.
Today I want to share the ten most useful idioms for business English and their meanings.
1. Get down to business
Meaning: Start talking about the subject to be discussed.
Example: If the introductions are over, I would like to get down to business.
Regardless of your field of expertise, this is an idiom that can be easily used in various contexts in a meeting. If the group was waiting for someone to join and this person arrived after a few minutes, while the others are still chatting over unimportant topics to kill some time until this last participant showed up, you could say:
Example # 2: All right, it seems that we are all here now. It’s time to get down to business.
2. Cutting-edge
Meaning: The most modern state of development in a particular type of work and activity.
Example: A company at the cutting edge of mobile communications technology.
In this age and era where technology is all over the place, I’m almost sure your field of expertise is somehow related to technological developments. And if it isn’t yet, let me tell you it’s likely to be any time soon.
Then, apart from using this idiom in your business English classes, you can use it while making your pitch about something related to your company.
Example # 2: So ,what I mean is, this represents cutting-edge software development.
3. Think outside the box
Meaning: To think imaginatively using new ideas instead of traditional or expected ideas.
Example: If we really want to make a change, we should think outside the box.
In order to put your business English into practice, in real life, you can definitely use this idiom in the appropriate context. Let’s imagine you’re discussing with your marketing department which strategy is best, or you’re trying to come up with the right answer to a problem you and some operators in a factory are dealing with. In both situations – or almost in any other! – in which a creative or imaginative answer is needed, you can use it.
Example # 2: Well, I guess it’s high time we think outside the box. Otherwise, we’ll spend the next hour discussing the same type of answers.
4. On the same page
Meaning: If a group of people are on the same page, they are working all together and have the same aims.
Example: We need to get environmentalists and businesses on the same page to improve things.
This is pretty useful if you want to make sure you all agree, have the same goals and want to reach the same objectives. You can use this idiom to ensure this in different ways.
Example # 2: Before moving on, I would like to make sure we are all on the same page. If there is anyone who would like to say something, please feel free to do it now as I guess later on we won’t be able to make further changes.
Example # 3: Have we reached a decision then? If anyone thinks we are not on the same page, please say it now.
5. The bottom line
I’m sure you’ve either used or heard this idiom in one of your business English classes but have you ever used it? Let’s do it!
Meaning: used to tell someone what the most important part of a situation is, or what the most important thing to consider is.
Example: In radio, you have to keep the listener listening. That’s the bottom line.
You can use this idiom when you want to summarise some kind of information, as in:
Example # 2: It wasn’t the best sale tactic we could have used, however, the bottom line is that we closed the deal.
6. Call the shots
Meaning: To be in the position of being able to make the decisions that will influence a situation.
Example: You’re the boss here – you get to call the shots.
When using idioms, even though it’s a great opportunity to show that you’ve done your homework in your business English course, it’s crucial to read the room and make sure it’s in the appropriate context.
With this one specifically, you will use it in informal situations, you will not tell your boss or manager – of course, it also depends on the kind of relationship you have – that he or she is the one to call the shots, you would rather tell them that they can make the decision.
7. Keep someone in the loop
Meaning: You will keep this person informed and include them in the decision-making process.
Example: We’re a team so I will of course keep you in the loop.
This is a very friendly and nice idiom to share with those you care about in order to make them know that you do consider their opinions and that you value their perspectives.
So, if you’re about to finish a meeting and you think of the phrase ‘Please keep me informed’ but you soon realise that it is too formal for the context, you can say:
Example # 2: Thank you very much Raul, I’d appreciate it if you keep me in the loop.
Remember that it is not obligatory to use idioms. You will not sound more or less smart because of the idioms that you use during a business meeting, a networking event or a virtual gathering with colleagues.
You are always welcome to express your thoughts using the words that you know as long as you make yourself clear and you can deliver your message.
If you’d like to expand your business English vocabulary to gain more confidence at work and interact actively in lunch breaks, meeting and other events with your international colleagues, book a free call with me and let’s discuss your objectives! Let’s Talk!
