Business English Booster

Bite Sized Business English

Author: Teacher Rob

  • Going Places

    🗓️ Idiom: Going Places (verb)

    💬 Meaning

    • Showing strong potential for success or advancement.
    • Likely to achieve great things in a career or future.

    🧠 Example Sentences

    • After her impressive presentation, everyone agreed that Emma is really going places in the company.
    • With his leadership skills and work ethic, it’s clear he’s going places in the industry.
    • The new intern has already made a big impact — she’s definitely going places.

    🏛️ Origin

    The idiom comes from the idea of someone literally moving forward or traveling. By the early 1900s, it began to be used metaphorically to describe people who were advancing quickly in life or career — as if their success was taking them to new destinations.

    📝 Practice Exercises

    1. Fill in the blank:
    Everyone in the office says that Jason is _______ after his recent promotion.

    Answer

    going places

    2. Multiple choice:
    What does “going places” mean?
    a) Traveling for business
    b) Showing great potential for future success
    c) Changing jobs frequently

    Answer

    b) Showing great potential for future success

    3. Change the sentence using “going places”:
    “She has a bright future ahead in marketing.”

    Answer

    She’s really going places in marketing.

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  • Rise Through the Ranks

    🗓️ Idiom: Rise Through the Ranks (verb)

    💬 Meaning

    • To advance step by step in a company or organization.
    • To earn promotions over time through hard work and experience.

    🧠 Example Sentences

    • She started as an intern and rose through the ranks to become a senior manager.
    • Many CEOs have risen through the ranks after years of dedication.
    • He hopes to rise through the ranks by showing strong leadership skills.

    🏛️ Origin

    This idiom comes from the military, where “ranks” refer to levels of position or authority. Soldiers who performed well could “rise through the ranks,” meaning they were promoted to higher levels. The phrase was later adopted by businesses and other organizations.

    📝 Practice Exercises

    1. Fill in the blank:
    After ten years at the company, Maria finally _______ and became a director.

    Answer

    rose through the ranks

    2. Multiple choice:
    What does “rise through the ranks” mean?
    a) To leave a company suddenly
    b) To move up step by step in an organization
    c) To start a new business alone

    Answer

    b) To move up step by step in an organization

    3. Change the sentence using “rise through the ranks”:
    “He became a manager after many years of hard work and promotions.”

    Answer

    He rose through the ranks after many years of hard work.

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  • Get a Leg Up

    🗓️ Idiom: Get a Leg Up (verb)

    💬 Meaning

    • To get an advantage or head start over others.
    • To receive help that improves your position or progress.

    🧠 Example Sentences

    • Her internship gave her a leg up when she applied for full-time roles at the same company.
    • Networking at industry events can help you get a leg up in your career.
    • Employees who take extra training often get a leg up on promotions.

    🏛️ Origin

    The phrase comes from the act of helping someone get on a horse by giving them a physical “leg up.” It eventually developed into a figurative meaning — helping someone to rise or gain an advantage in a situation, such as in their career. It has been used this way since the early 1800s.

    📝 Practice Exercises

    1. Fill in the blank:
    Extra language training can help you _______ a leg up when applying for international positions.

    Answer

    get

    2. Multiple choice:
    What does “get a leg up” mean?
    a) To exercise your legs
    b) To get an advantage or help
    c) To climb stairs faster

    Answer

    b) To get an advantage or help

    3. Change the sentence using “get a leg up”:
    “She received support from her mentor, which helped her advance in her career.”

    Answer

    The support from her mentor gave her a leg up in her career.

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  • Climb the Corporate Ladder

    🗓️ Idiom: Climb the Corporate Ladder (verb)

    💬 Meaning

    • To move up to higher positions in a company.
    • To progress in one’s career through effort and success.

    🧠 Example Sentences

    • She started as an intern and climbed the corporate ladder to become the company’s marketing director.
    • Many young professionals work long hours to climb the corporate ladder quickly.
    • He focused on building strong relationships to help him climb the corporate ladder.

    🏛️ Origin

    The phrase uses the image of a ladder to represent career progression — each rung symbolising a higher level of responsibility and status. It became popular in the 20th century as office work and large organisations grew, reflecting the structure of modern corporate life.

    📝 Practice Exercises

    1. Fill in the blank:
    She worked hard for years to _______ the corporate ladder and reach a management position.

    Answer

    climb

    2. Multiple choice:
    What does “climb the corporate ladder” mean?
    a) To take a break from work
    b) To move up to higher positions in a company
    c) To start a new business

    Answer

    b) To move up to higher positions in a company

    3. Change the sentence using “climb the corporate ladder”:
    “He aimed to advance his career by taking on more leadership roles.”

    Answer

    He aimed to climb the corporate ladder by taking on more leadership roles.

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  • Make Your Mark

    🗓️ Idiom: Make Your Mark (verb)

    💬 Meaning

    • To have a strong impact or influence in your field.
    • To achieve something that people remember.

    🧠 Example Sentences

    • She made her mark in the company by leading the digital transformation project.
    • Young entrepreneurs are eager to make their mark in the global market.
    • He made his mark as a mentor by helping new employees grow in their roles.

    🏛️ Origin

    The phrase comes from the literal act of leaving a mark or signature to show identity or influence. It has been used since the 16th century to mean leaving a lasting impression through actions or achievements.

    📝 Practice Exercises

    1. Fill in the blank:
    He wanted to _______ his mark on the advertising industry.

    Answer

    make

    2. Multiple choice:
    What does “make your mark” mean?
    a) To damage something
    b) To have a strong impact or influence
    c) To sign a document

    Answer

    b) To have a strong impact or influence

    3. Change the sentence using “make your mark”:
    “She became well known for her work in sustainable business practices.”

    Answer

    She made her mark through her work in sustainable business practices.

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  • Make a Name for Yourself

    🗓️ Idiom: Make a Name for Yourself (verb)

    💬 Meaning

    • To become well known or respected in your field.
    • To build a strong reputation through success or achievement.

    🧠 Example Sentences

    • She made a name for herself in the tech industry by launching a successful startup.
    • The young lawyer quickly made a name for himself through high-profile cases.
    • Many professionals try to make a name for themselves by publishing articles and speaking at conferences.

    🏛️ Origin

    This phrase has been used in English since at least the 17th century. It comes from the idea of someone’s “name” being linked with fame, respect, or recognition. To “make a name” means to establish a reputation that others remember.

    📝 Practice Exercises

    1. Fill in the blank:
    She worked hard to _______ a name for herself in the competitive fashion industry.

    Answer

    make

    2. Multiple choice:
    What does “make a name for yourself” mean?
    a) To invent a new nickname
    b) To build a strong reputation
    c) To legally change your name

    Answer

    b) To build a strong reputation

    3. Change the sentence using “make a name for yourself”:
    “He gained recognition by developing an innovative product.”

    Answer

    He made a name for himself by developing an innovative product.

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  • Find Your Feet

    🗓️ Idiom: Find Your Feet (verb)

    💬 Meaning

    • To become comfortable and confident in a new situation.
    • To learn how to manage after starting something new.

    🧠 Example Sentences

    • It took her a few weeks to find her feet in her new role as project manager.
    • Graduates often need time to find their feet when they enter the workplace.
    • After the company restructured, employees had to find their feet again.

    🏛️ Origin

    The idiom comes from the idea of learning to stand or walk steadily. In English, it has been used since at least the 1800s to describe someone adjusting to a new situation, much like a child learning to walk for the first time.

    📝 Practice Exercises

    1. Fill in the blank:
    It can take time to _______ your feet when starting a new job.

    Answer

    find

    2. Multiple choice:
    What does “find your feet” mean?
    a) To search for shoes
    b) To become comfortable in a new situation
    c) To walk faster

    Answer

    b) To become comfortable in a new situation

    3. Change the sentence using “find your feet”:
    “He needed a few months to adjust to the company culture.”

    Answer

    He needed a few months to find his feet in the company culture.

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  • Get Your Foot in the Door

    🗓️ Idiom: Get Your Foot in the Door (verb)

    💬 Meaning

    • To make a small start that could lead to bigger opportunities.
    • To get an initial chance in a company or industry.

    🧠 Example Sentences

    • He took an internship to get his foot in the door at the law firm.
    • She joined a startup to get her foot in the door of the tech industry.
    • Volunteering can be a good way to get your foot in the door of a new career.

    🏛️ Origin

    This idiom likely comes from door-to-door sales in the 19th and 20th centuries. Salespeople would sometimes literally put a foot in the doorway to stop the door from closing, giving them a chance to present their pitch. Over time, the phrase came to mean gaining an initial opportunity that could lead to something bigger.

    📝 Practice Exercises

    1. Fill in the blank:
    An entry-level job can help you _______ your foot in the door.

    Answer

    get

    2. Multiple choice:
    What does “get your foot in the door” mean?
    a) To block a door with your foot
    b) To start dancing
    c) To gain an initial opportunity in a company or field

    Answer

    c) To gain an initial opportunity in a company or field

    3. Change the sentence using “get your foot in the door”:
    “She took a temporary role to start her career in marketing.”

    Answer

    She took a temporary role to get her foot in the door in marketing.

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  • Put Your Best Foot Forward

    🗓️ Idiom: Put Your Best Foot Forward (verb)

    💬 Meaning

    • To try your hardest to make a good impression.
    • To show your best effort in a situation.

    🧠 Example Sentences

    • She put her best foot forward during the job interview and impressed the panel.
    • When presenting to clients, it’s important to put your best foot forward.
    • He put his best foot forward on the first day at work to show his dedication.

    🏛️ Origin

    The phrase dates back to the 16th century. It was used to describe stepping forward confidently, often with the stronger or more graceful foot. Over time, it came to mean making a strong effort to give the best impression. Shakespeare even used a similar phrase in his writings, helping spread it into common English.

    📝 Practice Exercises

    1. Fill in the blank:
    In a new role, it’s smart to _______ your best foot forward.

    Answer

    put

    2. Multiple choice:
    What does “put your best foot forward” mean?
    a) To walk faster than others
    b) To try your hardest to give a good impression
    c) To compete in a race

    Answer

    b) To try your hardest to give a good impression

    3. Change the sentence using “put your best foot forward”:
    “He tried very hard to impress the new manager.”

    Answer

    He put his best foot forward to impress the new manager.

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  • Put in the Hours

    🗓️ Idiom: Put in the Hours (verb)

    💬 Meaning

    • Working long hours to achieve success.
    • Showing dedication and effort over time to reach a goal.

    🧠 Example Sentences

    • She became a top lawyer by putting in the hours at the start of her career.
    • Success in business often requires putting in the hours when others stop working.
    • He’s putting in the hours now so he can apply for a promotion next year.

    🏛️ Origin

    This idiom comes from the simple idea of measuring work in “hours.” To “put in the hours” means to invest enough time and effort, usually more than the minimum required, to make progress or achieve success. It reflects the traditional view that hard work over time brings results.

    📝 Practice Exercises

    1. Fill in the blank:
    Young entrepreneurs often succeed because they are willing to _______ the hours.

    Answer

    put in

    2. Multiple choice:
    What does “putting in the hours” mean?
    a) To count how many hours you work
    b) To work long and hard to reach a goal
    c) To reduce your working time

    Answer

    b) To work long and hard to reach a goal

    3. Change the sentence using “putting in the hours”:
    “She is working late every night to finish the project.”

    Answer

    She is putting in the hours to finish the project.

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