COMMON AMERICAN ENGLISH

IDIOMS AND EXPRESSIONS USED IN

BUSINESS
AHEAD OF THE PACK

Meaning: To be more successful than the

competition

Example: If we want to stay ahead of the pack,

we’ll have to increase our marketing budget.
BACK TO SQUARE ONE/BACK
TO THE DRAWING BOARD
Meaning: To start something over again because
a previous attempt failed

Example: To make this software finally work, we

have to go back to square one/go back to the
drawing board.
 BALLPARK NUMBER/FIGURE
Meaning: A very inexact estimate

Example: To give you a ballpark figure,

how much the border wall to Mexico is
going to cost, I’d say about 30 million
dollars.
BEHIND THE SCENES

Meaning: describes things that happen which

the public don't know about or see directly
BALANCING
ACT

Example: We gave a successful presentation

and I need to thank all those behind the
scenes.
BRING SOMETHING TO THE TABLE

Meaning: to contribute something of value (to

a company)

Example: She brings a great deal of

experience to the table.
BIG PICTURE
VERY PERI
Meaning: Everything that is involved with a
Introducing the Pantone Color of the Year
particular situation
2022. PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri is a
dynamic hue that blends the faithfulness
and constancy of blue with the energy and
excitement of red.

Example: Working on all these details, we have

The four color palettes in this template
lost sight of the big picturefeature
. Very Peri to help you express your
ideas and convey the right mood. Read on
to learn how to use these colors in any
presentation.
 BY THE BOOK
Meaning: to do things according to the rules or
the law

Example: Our accountant does everything by

the book so there are no problems in the
future.
CALL IT A DAY
VERY PERI
Meaning: to stop doing something (to leave
Introducing the Pantone Color of the Year
work or do something else)
2022. PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri is a
dynamic hue that blends the faithfulness
and constancy of blue with the energy and
excitement of red.

Example: I think we have spent enough time

The four color palettes in this template
discussing this project. Let's callVery
feature it a Peri
day. to help you express your
ideas and convey the right mood. Read on
to learn how to use these colors in any
presentation.
 CORNER THE MARKET
Meaning: To dominate a particular market

Example: Amazon more or less corners the online

retailing market.
CUT ONE'S LOSSES
VERY PERI
Meaning: to stop an activity that is unsuccessful to
avoid losing more money Introducing the Pantone Color of the Year
2022. PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri is a
dynamic hue that blends the faithfulness
and constancy of blue with the energy and
excitement of red.

Example: We've decided to cutThe

our losses and close
four color palettes in this template
the restaurant.
feature Very Peri to help you express your
ideas and convey the right mood. Read on
to learn how to use these colors in any
presentation.
 CUT-THROAT
Meaning: Very intense, aggressive, and merciless
competition

Example: Competition in the food retailing business is

cut-throat.
EASY COME, EASY GO
VERY PERI
Meaning: Something gained easily is also lost easily
Introducing the Pantone Color of the Year
2022. PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri is a
dynamic hue that blends the faithfulness
and constancy of blue with the energy and
excitement of red.

Example: I lost 500 Euros in a poker game last night,

The four color palettes in this template
but that’s life – easy come, easy go.
feature Very Peri to help you express your
ideas and convey the right mood. Read on
to learn how to use these colors in any
presentation.
 DO SOMETHING/GO BEHIND
SOMEONE’S BACK

Meaning: to talk about someone or take action without

their knowledge

Example: My team went behind my back and

complained to the boss before speaking with me.
FROM THE GROUND UP
VERY PERI
Meaning: to do something from the start/very
beginning Introducing the Pantone Color of the Year
2022. PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri is a
dynamic hue that blends the faithfulness
and constancy of blue with the energy and
excitement of red.

Example: Our boss built this company from the

The four color palettes in this template
ground up.
feature Very Peri to help you express your
ideas and convey the right mood. Read on
to learn how to use these colors in any
presentation.
 GAME PLAN
Meaning: A strategy or plan for achieving success

Example: What is our game plan for dealing with our

new competitor?
GET DOWN TO BUSINESS
VERY PERI
Meaning: Stop making small talk and start talking
about serious business topics Introducing the Pantone Color of the Year
2022. PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri is a
dynamic hue that blends the faithfulness
and constancy of blue with the energy and
excitement of red.

Example: Now that everyone’sThe

here, let’s get down to
four color palettes in this template
business and start with the presentation.
feature Very Peri to help you express your
ideas and convey the right mood. Read on
to learn how to use these colors in any
presentation.
 GET SOMETHING OFF THE GROUND/GET THE BALL ROLLING

Meaning: To start something (e.g. a project or a

business)

Example: Now that we have finished the planning

phase, we’re eager to get the project off the
ground/get the ball rolling on the project.
GIVE SOMEONE THE GREEN LIGHT
VERY PERI
Meaning: to authorize or allow someone to do
something Introducing the Pantone Color of the Year
2022. PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri is a
dynamic hue that blends the faithfulness
and constancy of blue with the energy and
excitement of red.

Example: The directors have finally given us the green

The four color palettes in this template
light to increase spending.
feature Very Peri to help you express your
ideas and convey the right mood. Read on
to learn how to use these colors in any
presentation.
 GET ONE’S FOOT IN THE DOOR
Meaning: to take the first step with the aim to progress
further in the future

Example: She took an entry-level job to get her foot in

the door and got promoted after 1 year.
GO BELLY UP
VERY PERI
Meaning: describes a company that fails or goes
bankrupt Introducing the Pantone Color of the Year
2022. PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri is a
dynamic hue that blends the faithfulness
and constancy of blue with the energy and
excitement of red.

Example: Several of our competitors went belly

The four color palettes in this template
up during the last recession.
feature Very Peri to help you express your
ideas and convey the right mood. Read on
to learn how to use these colors in any
presentation.
 GO DOWN THE DRAIN
Meaning: Something is wasted or lost

Example: All our efforts in entering this new market

went down the drain.
GO THE EXTRA MILE
VERY PERI
Meaning: To do more than what people expect
Introducing the Pantone Color of the Year
2022. PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri is a
dynamic hue that blends the faithfulness
and constancy of blue with the energy and
excitement of red.

Example: To give our customers the best shopping

The four color palettes in this template
experience, we go the extra mile.
feature Very Peri to help you express your
ideas and convey the right mood. Read on
to learn how to use these colors in any
presentation.
 HANDS ARE TIED
Meaning: Not being free to behave in the way that you would like

Example: I’d love to help you, but my hands are tied.

IN A NUT SHELL
VERY PERI
Meaning: Using as few words as possible
Introducing the Pantone Color of the Year
2022. PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri is a
dynamic hue that blends the faithfulness
and constancy of blue with the energy and
excitement of red.

Example: In a nutshell, we willThe

run out of cash in three
four color palettes in this template
months time.
feature Very Peri to help you express your
ideas and convey the right mood. Read on
to learn how to use these colors in any
presentation.
 IN FULL SWING
Meaning: At a stage when the level of activity is at its highest

Example: Construction of our new production site is

in full swing now.
IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT
VERY PERI
Meaning: To be in charge or in control of a situation
Introducing the Pantone Color of the Year
2022. PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri is a
dynamic hue that blends the faithfulness
and constancy of blue with the energy and
excitement of red.

Example: Being offered the position of managing

The four color palettes in this template
director, I’ll soon be in the driver’s seat.
feature Very Peri to help you express your
ideas and convey the right mood. Read on
to learn how to use these colors in any
presentation.
 KEEP ONE’S EYE ONE THE BALL
Meaning: To give something one’s full attention and
to not lose focus

Example: We should not diversify our product

offering too much, but rather keep our eyes on the
ball.
KEEP ONE’S EYE ON THE PRIZE
VERY PERI
Meaning: someone keeps their attention on
Introducing the Pantone Color of the Year
what they are trying to achieve, even
2022. PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri is a
when this is difficult
dynamic hue that blends the faithfulness
and constancy of blue with the energy and
excitement of red.

Example: I know this projectThe

is four
taking a long
color palettes in this template
time and the clients are demanding, but
feature Very you
Peri haveyou express your
to help
to keep your eye on the prize.
ideas and convey the right mood. Read on
to learn how to use these colors in any
presentation.
 LEARN THE ROPES/SHOW SOMEONE THE ROPES
Meaning: Learn the basics of something/teach the
basics of something to someone

Example: I’m learning the ropes in my new position./

I’ll be showing you the ropes around the office
today.
LONG SHOT
VERY PERI
Meaning: Something that has a very low probability of
happening Introducing the Pantone Color of the Year
2022. PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri is a
dynamic hue that blends the faithfulness
and constancy of blue with the energy and
excitement of red.

Example: Winning the lottery isThe

a long shot.
four color palettes in this template
feature Very Peri to help you express your
ideas and convey the right mood. Read on
to learn how to use these colors in any
presentation.
 NO-BRAINER
Meaning: Something that is really obvious or easy

Example: Making money working for an investment

bank is a no-brainer.
NO STRINGS ATTACHED
VERY PERI
Meaning: Something is given without involving special
demands or limits Introducing the Pantone Color of the Year
2022. PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri is a
dynamic hue that blends the faithfulness
and constancy of blue with the energy and
excitement of red.

Example: They will let you try the product for free with
The four color palettes in this template
no strings attached.
feature Very Peri to help you express your
ideas and convey the right mood. Read on
to learn how to use these colors in any
presentation.
 NOT GOING TO FLY
Meaning: Something isn’t expected to work out

Example: This product is definitely not going to fly.

 ON THE SAME PAGE
Meaning: To be in agreement about something

Example: Let’s go over the contract details once

more to make sure we’re on the same page.
 OUT IN THE OPEN
Meaning: Something that is public knowledge and
not secret anymore

Example: Our financial situation is out in the open

now.
 PUT ALL ONE’S EGGS IN ONE BASKET
Meaning: To rely on only one thing to bring success

Example: It’s not smart to invest in American tech

stocks only and put all your eggs in one basket.
 PUT THE CART BEFORE THE HORSE
Meaning: To do or think about things in the wrong
order

Example: Trying to find an investor without having a

business plan is like putting the cart before the
horse.
 RAISE THE BAR
Meaning: To set standards or expectations higher

Example: The iPhone raised the bar for smartphone

makers.
 RED TAPE
Meaning: Official rules and processes that seem
excessive and unnecessary

Example: The new law is going to create a lot of red

tape.
 ROCK THE BOAT
Meaning: To do or say something that will upset
people or cause problems

Example: Don’t rock the boat until the negotiations

are finished.
 SAFE BET
Meaning: Something that is certain to happen

Example: It’s a safe bet that computer processor

speed will more than triple within the next 10
years.
 SAME BOAT
Meaning: To be in the same difficult situation as
someone else

Example: None of us has any money left, so we’re

all in the same boat.
 SEE EYE TO EYE
Meaning: To agree with somebody

Example: My boss doesn’t see eye to eye with me

about our marketing campaign.
 SEE SOMETHING THROUGH
Meaning: To continue until something is finished

Example: I want to see this project through before

taking on another one.
 SEVER TIES
Meaning: To end a relationship

Example: We had to sever ties with several

suppliers due to poor product quality.
 SHOOT SOMETHING DOWN
Meaning: To reject something (e.g. an idea or a
proposal)

Example: You shouldn’t shoot down your co-workers

ideas during a brainstorming session.
 SMOOTH SAILING
Meaning: A situation where success is achieved
without difficulties

Example: Once our largest competitor went out of

business, it was smooth sailing.
 STAND ONE’S GROUND
Meaning: To not change one’s opinion or position

Example: They tried to cut my travel budget, but I

stood my ground.
 TAKE THE BULL BY THE HORNS
Meaning: To directly confront a difficult situation in
a brave and determined way

Example: My mid-level managers constantly delayed

projects, so I took the bull by the horns and fired
several of them.
 THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM
Meaning: An obvious problem or controversial issue
that no one wants to discuss.

Example: We should have discussed our upcoming

lawsuit, but no one wanted to talk about the
elephant in the room.
 THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX
Meaning: To think of creative, unconventional
solutions instead of common ones.

Example: Our current approach will get us nowhere.

We have to think outside the box.
 TOUCH BASE
Meaning: To make contact with someone.

Example: I will touch base with you later today.

 TWIST SOMEONE’S ARM
Meaning: To convince someone to do something
that he or she does not want to do.

Example: My boss thought the budget was a little

high, so I had to twist his arm to get him to agree
to it.
 UP IN THE AIR
Meaning: Something is undecided or uncertain

Example: Our international expansion plan is still up

in the air.
 UPHILL BATTLE
Meaning: Something that is difficult to achieve
because of obstacles and difficulties

Example: Gaining market share in this country will

be an uphill battle due to tough competition.
 UPPER HAND
Meaning: To have more power than anyone else and
so have control

Example: Due to my experience, I had the upper

hand in the negotiation.
 WORD OF MOUTH
Meaning: Something is given or done by people
talking about something or telling people about
something

Example: Many local stores rely on word of mouth

to get new customers.