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Category: Business Idioms & Phrasal Verbs

How to Use Idioms in Emails
How to Use Idioms in Emails – 20 Practical Phrases That Work

Hey everyone, Teacher Rob here! 😊
If you’ve ever stared at a blank email screen wondering how to sound friendlier, more confident, or just less like a machine, you’re in the right place. This article is different from my earlier “Most Effective Idioms for Emails” – here we focus on exactly how and when to use them so they land perfectly every time.

I’ve selected 20 completely fresh idioms, grouped into four email-friendly categories. Each one comes with a real email example and my personal Teacher Tip on how to use it naturally. After every five idioms, there’s a fun quiz to help you memorise the them.

Ready to make your emails warmer and more effective? Let’s go! 🚀

📬 Group 1 – Starting Emails and Setting the Tone

👉 Drop someone a line (v)
Meaning: To send a short message or email.
Email example: Just dropping you a line to confirm our meeting tomorrow.
Teacher tip: Perfect casual opener with colleagues – friendly and brief.

👉 Get straight to the point (v)
Meaning: To talk about the main topic without wasting time.
Email example: I’ll get straight to the point: the report needs updates by Friday.
Teacher tip: Use after a quick greeting when time is short.

👉 Cut to the chase (v)
Meaning: To skip unnecessary details and focus on the important part.
Email example: Let’s cut to the chase – what’s the status on budget approval?
Teacher tip: Great for internal emails when everyone knows the context.

👉 Beat around the bush (v)
Meaning: To avoid talking directly about something.
Email example: Don’t beat around the bush – is the deadline realistic?
Teacher tip: Gentle way to encourage honesty in trusted relationships.

👉 Chew the fat (v)
Meaning: To have a casual conversation about unimportant things.
Email example: Before we chew the fat, let’s go through the agenda first.
Teacher tip: Light-hearted opener for relaxed catch-up emails.

✅ Quick Quiz – Group 1

1. I’m _______ to ask about the project update. (sending a quick note)
- A) cutting to the chase
- B) dropping you a line
- C) beating around the bush
Answer ✓
B) dropping you a line – Quick and casual!

2. No need for small talk – let’s _______. (go directly to the main topic)
- A) get straight to the point
- B) chew the fat
- C) cut to the chase
Answer ✓
A) get straight to the point – Efficiency wins!

3. We don’t have much time, let’s _______. (skip details)
- A) beat around the bush
- B) cut to the chase
- C) drop a line
Answer ✓
B) cut to the chase – Straightforward!

4. Please don’t _______ – is the deal on or off? (avoid the issue)
- A) chew the fat
- B) beat around the bush
- C) get straight to the point
Answer ✓
B) beat around the bush – Calls for directness!

5. We can _______ about the weekend later. (chat casually)
- A) cut to the chase
- B) chew the fat
- C) drop a line
Answer ✓
B) chew the fat – Relaxed vibe!

📬 Group 2 – Giving Updates and Sharing Info

👉 Keep someone posted (v)
Meaning: To keep someone informed about developments.
Email example: I’ll keep you posted on any changes to the schedule.
Teacher tip: Add this at the end of status emails to show you’re reliable.

👉 Put someone in the picture (v)
Meaning: To give someone all the necessary information.
Email example: Let me put you in the picture about the new team structure.
Teacher tip: Helpful for bringing new people up to speed – keep it concise.

👉 Bring someone up to speed (v)
Meaning: To inform someone about the latest developments.
Email example: Before the call, I’ll bring you up to speed on the client feedback.
Teacher tip: Excellent for remote teams and intro sentences in updates.

👉 Hear it through the grapevine (v)
Meaning: To learn something informally or through rumours.
Email example: I heard it through the grapevine that the merger is happening soon.
Teacher tip: Use sparingly and add “but let’s confirm” to stay professional.

👉 Read between the lines (v)
Meaning: To understand the hidden meaning in something.
Email example: Read between the lines – the client isn’t happy with the delay.
Teacher tip: Great for analyzing responses in feedback emails.

✅ Quick Quiz – Group 2

6. I’ll _______ if the meeting time changes. (inform you)
- A) put you in the picture
- B) keep you posted
- C) hear it through the grapevine
Answer ✓
B) keep you posted – Reliable update!

7. To _______, here’s the latest report. (help you understand everything)
- A) bring you up to speed
- B) put you in the picture
- C) read between the lines
Answer ✓
B) put you in the picture – Clear briefing!

8. Let me _______ on the latest sales figures. (tell you the most recent details)
- A) bring you up to speed
- B) hear it through the grapevine
- C) keep you posted
Answer ✓
A) bring you up to speed – Quick catch-up!

9. I _______ that the office is moving. (learned informally)
- A) read between the lines
- B) heard it through the grapevine
- C) put in the picture
Answer ✓
B) heard it through the grapevine – Rumor alert!

10. You need to _______ in her reply – she’s hinting at issues. (see hidden meaning)
- A) keep posted
- B) read between the lines
- C) bring up to speed
Answer ✓
B) read between the lines – Subtle insight!

📬 Group 3 – Making Requests and Suggestions

👉 Twist someone’s arm (v)
Meaning: To persuade someone to do something they don’t really want to.
Email example: I hate to twist your arm, but can you review this by tomorrow?
Teacher tip: Add humour for minor favours – keeps things light.

👉 Drive a hard bargain (v)
Meaning: To negotiate strongly to get the best deal.
Email example: You drive a hard bargain, but I can agree to 10% off.
Teacher tip: Compliment the other side in negotiations – shows respect.

👉 Play hard ball (v)
Meaning: To negotiate or compete aggressively.
Email example: If they play hard ball on price, we’ll need to stand firm.
Teacher tip: Use internally with your team to prepare for tough talks.

👉 Touch upon (v)
Meaning: To mention something briefly.
Email example: In the meeting, I’ll touch upon the budget changes.
Teacher tip: Elegant way to preview topics without going into detail.

👉 Give someone a hard time (v)
Meaning: To make things difficult for someone or criticize them.
Email example: Don’t give me a hard time about the deadline – I’m doing my best.
Teacher tip: Use lightly with close colleagues to acknowledge challenges.

✅ Quick Quiz – Group 3

11. The client is _______ about the terms. (criticizing)
- A) twisting my arm
- B) giving me a hard time
- C) driving a hard bargain
Answer ✓
B) giving me a hard time – Tough spot!

12. I’ll try to _______ for an extension. (persuade strongly)
- A) play hard ball
- B) twist your arm
- C) touch upon
Answer ✓
B) twist your arm – Gentle push!

13. She always _______ in negotiations. (negotiates tough)
- A) drives a hard bargain
- B) gives a hard time
- C) touches upon
Answer ✓
A) drives a hard bargain – Strong negotiator!

14. They decided to _______ on the contract. (be aggressive)
- A) touch upon
- B) play hard ball
- C) twist arms
Answer ✓
B) play hard ball – Competitive!

15. Let’s _______ the new policy in the email. (mention briefly)
- A) drive a hard bargain
- B) touch upon
- C) give a hard time
Answer ✓
B) touch upon – Brief reference!

📬 Group 4 – Closing Emails and Next Steps

👉 Wrap things up (v)
Meaning: To finish or conclude something.
Email example: Let’s wrap things up by 5 PM today.
Teacher tip: Positive way to signal closure and encourage quick action.

👉 Circle back (v)
Meaning: To return to a topic later.
Email example: I’ll circle back next week with more details.
Teacher tip: Modern, professional sign-off for ongoing conversations.

👉 Keep it under wraps (v)
Meaning: To keep something secret.
Email example: Please keep this under wraps until the announcement.
Teacher tip: Builds trust in confidential emails.

👉 Spill the beans (v)
Meaning: To reveal a secret.
Email example: Don’t spill the beans about the surprise party.
Teacher tip: Playful warning for fun team emails.

👉 Let the cat out of the bag (v)
Meaning: To accidentally reveal a secret.
Email example: I almost let the cat out of the bag about the merger.
Teacher tip: Light-hearted way to admit a slip in internal chats.

✅ Quick Quiz – Group

16. Let’s _______ before the call ends. (finish)
- A) circle back
- B) wrap things up
- C) spill the beans
Answer ✓
B) wrap things up – Nice closer!

17. We can _______ on that idea next month. (return later)
- A) let the cat out of the bag
- B) circle back
- C) keep under wraps
Answer ✓
B) circle back – Future focus!

18. Make sure to _______ until official. (keep secret)
- A) spill the beans
- B) keep it under wraps
- C) wrap things up
Answer ✓
B) keep it under wraps – Confidential!

19. Please don’t _______ about the bonus. (reveal secret)
- A) let the cat out of the bag
- B) spill the beans
- C) circle back
Answer ✓
B) spill the beans – Secret keeper!

20. I didn’t mean to _______ the news early. (reveal accidentally)
- A) wrap things up
- B) let the cat out of the bag
- C) keep under wraps
Answer ✓
B) let the cat out of the bag – Oops moment!

And that’s it, 20 brand-new idioms ready to make your emails shine!🎉

Which one are you going to try first in your next message? Drop a comment below – I read every single one and love hearing how these little phrases are helping you in real life!

If this helped, please share it with a colleague and hit subscribe so you never miss a new list. Keep practising, keep shining, and I’ll see you in the next one!

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December 11, 2025
20 Business Idioms Explained

Business Idioms Explained: 20 Must-Know Expressions for 2026

Hey everyone, Teacher Rob here! 😊

Ever listened to a meeting and felt a little lost when people start throwing around phrases like “let’s not open a can of worms” or “the ball is in your court”? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! These are classic business idioms that native speakers use every single day, and once you know them, you’ll instantly sound more confident and professional.

Today I’ve chosen 20 fresh business idioms explained with very clear meanings, natural examples, and links to the full page for each one (perfect if you want to go deeper). We’ll go through them in four easy groups of five, and after every group there’s a fun interactive quiz to help you remember them forever.

Ready to level up your workplace English in 2026? Let’s dive in! 🚀

📈 Group 1 – Planning & Strategy

👉 Put the cart before the horse (v)
Meaning: To do things in the wrong order.
Example: Deciding the budget before the project scope is putting the cart before the horse.

👉 Back to the drawing board (n)
Meaning: To start planning again because the first plan failed.
Example: The client rejected our proposal, so it’s back to the drawing board.

👉 Open a can of worms (v)
Meaning: To create a complicated or difficult situation.
Example: Changing the software now would open a can of worms right before launch.

👉 Cross that bridge when we come to it (v)
Meaning: To deal with a problem when it actually happens, not before.
Example: We don’t know the final cost yet, let’s cross that bridge when we come to it.

👉 Play it by ear (v)
Meaning: To decide what to do as the situation develops, without a fixed plan.
Example: The schedule is still changing, so we’ll just play it by ear on the day.

✅ Quick Quiz – Group 1

1. Designing the logo before the brand name is _______. (wrong order)
A) back to the drawing board B) putting the cart before the horse C) play it by ear

Answer ✓
B) putting the cart before the horse – Great catch!

2. The prototype failed completely, now it’s _______. (start again)
A) open a can of worms B) back to the drawing board C) cross that bridge

Answer ✓
B) back to the drawing board – Classic project phrase!

3. Asking about bonuses in January would _______. (cause lots of problems)
A) open a can of worms B) play it by ear C) put the cart before the horse

Answer ✓
A) open a can of worms – Very common warning!

🤑 Group 2 – Money & Results

👉 Cook the books (v)
Meaning: To illegally change financial records.
Example: The accountant was fired for cooking the books.

👉 In the red (adj)
Meaning: Losing money; having negative finances.
Example: The company has been in the red for three quarters.

👉 Bleed cash (v)
Meaning: Lose money very quickly.
Example: That new office is bleeding cash, we need to act fast.

👉 Rake it in (v)
Meaning: Earning a lot of money.
Example: Their new product is raking it in this year.

👉 Cost an arm and a leg (v)
Meaning: To be very expensive.
Example: The new software costs an arm and a leg, but it’s worth it.

✅ Quick Quiz – Group 2

6. The finance team discovered someone had been _______. (falsifying accounts)
A) in the red B) cooking the books C) raking it in

Answer ✓
B) cooking the books – Well spotted!

7. After six months of losses, the startup is still _______. (negative balance)
A) bleeding cash B) in the red C) costing an arm and a leg

Answer ✓
B) in the red – Very common in reports!

8. The marketing campaign is _______. (losing money fast)
A) raking it in B) bleeding cash C) cooking the books

Answer ✓
B) bleeding cash – Urgent situation!

9. Since the product launch, the company has been _______. (making lots of money)
A) raking it in B) in the red C) costing an arm and a leg

Answer ✓
A) raking it in – Lovely result!

10. Hiring that consultant will _______. (be extremely expensive)
A) cost an arm and a leg B) bleed cash C) rake it in

Answer ✓
A) cost an arm and a leg – Everyone says this!

🧑‍💼 Group 3 – People & Performance

👉 Wear many hats (v)
Meaning: To have many different responsibilities.
Example: In a startup, everyone wears many hats.

👉 Burn the midnight oil (v)
Meaning: To work very late into the night.
Example: The team burned the midnight oil to meet the deadline.

👉 Hands are tied (adj)
Meaning: Unable to act freely because of rules or circumstances.
Example: I’d love to help, but my hands are tied by company policy.

👉 Pass the buck (v)
Meaning: To shift responsibility to someone else.
Example: Don’t pass the buck, own your decisions.

👉 The ball is in your court (n)
Meaning: It’s your turn to make a decision or take action.
Example: I’ve sent the contract, the ball is in your court now.

✅ Quick Quiz – Group 3

11. In our small team, everyone has to _______. (do several jobs)
A) burn the midnight oil B) wear many hats C) pass the buck

Answer ✓
B) wear many hats – Typical in startups!

12. We _______ to finish the presentation before the morning meeting. (worked late)
A) burned the midnight oil B) had our hands tied C) passed the buck

Answer ✓
A) burned the midnight oil – Hard workers!

13. I can’t approve the discount, _______. (not allowed)
A) the ball is in my court B) my hands are tied C) I’m wearing many hats

Answer ✓
B) my hands are tied – Very polite way to say no!

14. When something goes wrong, he always tries to _______. (blame others)
A) pass the buck B) burn the midnight oil C) wear many hats

Answer ✓
A) pass the buck – Not a good look!

15. I’ve given you all the information, now _______. (your turn)
A) the ball is in your court B) my hands are tied C) we’re back to the drawing board

Answer ✓
A) the ball is in your court – Classic closing line!

⚠️ Group 4 – Competition & Risk

👉 Level playing field (n)
Meaning: A situation where everyone has an equal chance.
Example: New regulations created a level playing field for all companies.

👉 Raise the stakes (v)
Meaning: To make a situation more important or risky.
Example: Offering a big discount really raised the stakes in the negotiation.

👉 Safe bet (n)
Meaning: A choice that is almost certain to be successful.
Example: Hiring her is a safe bet, she has an amazing track record.

👉 Play your cards right (v)
Meaning: To act in the best way to achieve success.
Example: Play your cards right and you could get promoted this year.

👉 Cut your losses (v)
Meaning: To stop something that is failing to prevent further loss.
Example: The project was losing money, so we decided to cut our losses.

✅ Quick Quiz – Group 4

16. The new law finally created a _______. (everyone has equal opportunity)
A) level playing field B) safe bet C) raised stakes

Answer ✓
A) level playing field – Fairness phrase!

17. Adding that clause really _______. (made it more serious)
A) raised the stakes B) cut our losses C) played our cards right

Answer ✓
A) raised the stakes – Drama increases!

18. Choosing this supplier is a _______. (very low risk)
A) cut your losses B) safe bet C) level playing field

Answer ✓
B) safe bet – Everyone loves certainty!

19. If you _______ this year, the promotion is yours. (make smart moves)
A) play your cards right B) raise the stakes C) cut your losses

Answer ✓
A) play your cards right – Great career advice!

20. The product wasn’t selling, so we decided to _______. (stop and minimise loss)
A) raise the stakes B) cut our losses C) play it by ear

Answer ✓
B) cut our losses – Sometimes the smart choice!

And that’s it, 20 brand-new business idioms explained and ready to use! 🎉
Which one are you going to try first? Drop me a comment below, I read every single one and love hearing how these help you in real meetings and emails!

If you loved this, please share it with a colleague and hit subscribe so you never miss a new list. Keep practising, keep shining, and I’ll see you in the next one!

Teacher Rob 😊

December 10, 2025
Learn English Idioms for Business Success
Learn English Idioms for Business Success – 20 Expressions to Sound Like a Pro

Ever felt like you’re missing that extra edge in professional conversations?

Idioms are your secret weapon. They add flair, show cultural knowledge, and instantly make you sound like a native speaker who really belongs in the room.

Today I’ve hand-picked 20 fresh idioms that successful people actually use when they talk about winning deals, standing out, and getting real results. We’ll go through them in four easy groups of five, with clear meanings, natural examples, and links to the full dedicated page for each one (perfect if you want to dig deeper).

After every five idioms there’s a fun interactive quiz to help you lock them in. Ready to give your business English a serious upgrade? Let’s dive in! 🚀

☝️ 1: Idioms for Going Above and Beyond ☝️
1. 👉 Go the extra mile (v)
  Meaning: To make more effort than is required to achieve something.
  Example: Great employees always go the extra mile to satisfy their clients.
2. 👉 Close the deal (v)
  Meaning: To finalise an agreement or sale successfully.
  Example: After weeks of negotiation, she finally managed to close the deal.
3. 👉 Think outside the box (v)
  Meaning: To think creatively and find new solutions.
  Example: We need to think outside the box if we want to beat the competition.
4. 👉 Get the ball rolling (v)
  Meaning: To start a process or activity.
  Example: Let’s schedule the kick-off meeting to get the ball rolling on this project.
5. 👉 Ahead of the curve (adj)
  Meaning: To be more advanced or innovative than others.
  Example: Their new app keeps them ahead of the curve in mobile payments.
1. Top performers always _______ to impress their clients. (do more than expected)
A) close the deal
B) go the extra mile
C) think outside the box

Answer
B) go the extra mile

2. After three months of talks, we finally managed to _______. (finalize the sale)
A) get the ball rolling
B) close the deal
C) move the needle

Answer
B) close the deal

3. To solve this problem we need to _______. (be creative)
A) think outside the box
B) ahead of the curve
C) get the ball rolling

Answer
A) think outside the box

4. Let’s have a quick kick-off meeting tomorrow to _______. (start the project)
A) close the deal
B) get the ball rolling
C) go the extra mile

Answer
B) get the ball rolling

5. Their new software keeps them _______. (more advanced than competitors)
A) ahead of the curve
B) cash cow
C) win-win situation

Answer
A) ahead of the curve

💪 2: Idioms for Making an Impact 💪
1. 👉 Move the needle (v)
  Meaning: To make a noticeable difference or have a significant impact.
  Example: This marketing campaign should really move the needle on sales.
2. 👉 Game changer (n)
  Meaning: Something that significantly alters the situation, usually for the better.
  Example: Introducing AI tools has been a real game changer for our productivity.
3. 👉 Hit the ground running (v)
  Meaning: To start something quickly and perform well from the very beginning.
  Example: The new manager hit the ground running and implemented changes in her first week.
4. 👉 Bring to the table (v)
  Meaning: To offer valuable skills, ideas, or resources.
  Example: She brings years of industry experience to the table.
5. 👉 Sweeten the deal (v)
  Meaning: To make an offer more attractive by adding benefits.
  Example: They sweetened the deal by including free training and support.
✅ Quick Quiz: Test Your Knowledge!

6. This new pricing strategy should really _______. (make a big difference in sales)
A) move the needle
B) hit the ground running
C) sweeten the deal

Answer
A) move the needle

7. Switching to this platform was a real _______ for the whole team. (big positive change)
A) game changer
B) golden handshake
C) cash cow

Answer
A) game changer

8. The new hire _______ and finished the report on her first day. (started very fast and well)
A) hit the ground running
B) raised the bar
C) sealed the deal

Answer
A) hit the ground running

9. What special skills do you _______? (offer/contribute)
A) bring to the table
B) corner the market
C) make your mark

Answer
A) bring to the table

10. We added two years of free support to _______. (make the offer better)
A) close the deal
B) sweeten the deal
C) raise the bar

Answer
B) sweeten the deal

📈 3: Idioms for Dominating the Market 📈
1. 👉 Seal the deal (v)
  Meaning: To finalize or confirm an agreement (very similar to “close the deal”).
  Example: A small discount at the end helped seal the deal with the client.
2. 👉 Corner the market (v)
  Meaning: To dominate or gain control of a particular market.
  Example: The company wants to corner the market for eco-friendly packaging.
3. 👉 Raise the bar (v)
  Meaning: To set a higher standard of performance.
  Example: Their innovative product has raised the bar for the entire industry.
4. 👉 Cash cow (adj)
  Meaning: A business or product that reliably generates a lot of profit.
  Example: Their software subscription service is a real cash cow.
5. 👉 Golden handshake (n)
  Meaning: A generous financial package given to someone when they leave a company.
  Example: The retiring CEO received a golden handshake worth millions.
✅ Quick Quiz: Test Your Knowledge!

11. The final signature will finally _______. (complete the agreement)
A) seal the deal
B) corner the market
C) bear fruit

Answer
A) seal the deal

12. Our goal is to _______ in sustainable energy by 2030. (dominate the market)
A) cash cow
B) corner the market
C) climb the corporate ladder

Answer
B) corner the market

13. Their excellent customer service has really _______. (set higher standards)
A) raised the bar
B) reaped the rewards
C) made your mark

Answer
A) raised the bar

14. Our subscription model is a real _______ – steady profits every month.
A) golden handshake
B) cash cow
C) win-win situation

Answer
B) cash cow

15. The CEO left with a _______ worth several million dollars.
A) golden handshake
B) game changer
C) cash cow

Answer
A) golden handshake

📊 Group 4: Idioms for Career Growth and Results 📊
1. 👉 Climb the corporate ladder (v)
  Meaning: To advance in one’s career within a company.
  Example: She’s worked hard to climb the corporate ladder over the past ten years.
2. 👉 Make your mark (v)
  Meaning: To become successful or establish a reputation.
  Example: He quickly made his mark as the top salesperson in the region.
3. 👉 Bear fruit (v)
  Meaning: To produce successful results after effort.
  Example: All those networking events are finally starting to bear fruit.
4. 👉 Reap the rewards (v)
  Meaning: To enjoy the benefits of hard work or success.
  Example: After years of dedication, she’s now reaping the rewards of her efforts.
5. 👉 Win-win situation
  Meaning: A situation where everyone involved benefits.
  Example: Offering flexible hours is a win-win situation for both the company and employees.
✅ Quick Quiz: Test Your Knowledge!

16. She worked late every night to _______ faster than her colleagues. (advance in the company)
A) make your mark
B) climb the corporate ladder
C) bear fruit

Answer
B) climb the corporate ladder

17. Within six months he had already _______ as the top performer.
A) made his mark
B) reaped the rewards
C) raised the bar

Answer
A) made his mark

18. All the training and investment is finally starting to _______. (show good results)
A) bear fruit
B) win-win situation
C) move the needle

Answer
A) bear fruit

19. After years of hard work, she is now _______ of her success.
A) reaping the rewards
B) sealing the deal
C) sweetening the deal

Answer
A) reaping the rewards

20. Flexible working hours created a real _______ – happy staff and higher productivity.
A) cash cow
B) win-win situation
C) golden handshake

Answer
B) win-win situation

And that’s it, 20 powerful new idioms added to your toolbox! 🎉
Which one are you going to try first in your next meeting or email? Let me know in the comments below, I read every single one and love hearing your success stories!

If this helped you, please share it with a colleague or friend who’s also working on their business English, and hit that subscribe button so you never miss a new list.

Keep practising, keep shining, and remember: every time you drop one of these idioms naturally into conversation, you’re proving just how fluent and confident you’ve become. I’m so proud of how far you’ve come, and I can’t wait to see you use these in the real world.

See you in the next one!
Teacher Rob 😊
December 10, 2025
Business English Idioms With Examples

Business English Idioms With Examples

Without examples, idioms are seriously difficult to learn, right?

That’s exactly why I created this list of 20 Business English idioms with examples. In fact, my whole website is designed to make idioms and other business English vocabulary easier (and more fun!) to learn.

Take your time to go through these 20 idioms with easy-to-understand examples. They’re honestly fantastic for getting you started. Once you know them, you’ll start hearing them everywhere in meetings, emails, and everyday business situations!

Happy learning! Teacher Rob 🙋‍♂️

1. Idioms for Daily Work Communication

Here are common expressions people use in everyday workplace conversations.

1. 👉 Keep Things Moving (V)

Meaning: Continue progress without delays.
Example: We need to keep things moving so we meet Friday’s deadline.

2. 👉 Give Someone a Nudge (V)

Meaning: Remind someone gently.
Example: Can you give Sam a nudge about the budget file?

3. 👉 In the Driver’s Seat (Adj)

Meaning: In control of a situation.
Example: After reorganising the team, Maria is finally in the driver’s seat.

4. 👉 Light a Fire Under Someone (V)

Meaning: Motivate someone to act quickly.
Example: The new deadline really lit a fire under the team.

5. 👉 Raise the Bar (V)

Meaning: Increase the standards or expectations.
Example: The new CEO has really raised the bar for customer service.

✅ Test Yourself: Daily Communication Idioms

1. What does “keep things moving” mean?
a) Stop a project
b) Continue progress
c) Cancel a task

Answer
b) Continue progress

2. What does “give someone a nudge” mean?
a) Push someone physically
b) Remind someone politely
c) Replace someone

Answer
b) Remind someone politely

3. What does “in the driver’s seat” mean?
a) Travelling to work
b) Not involved
c) In control

Answer
c) In control

4. What does “light a fire under someone” mean?
a) Slow someone down
b) Motivate someone
c) Punish someone

Answer
b) Motivate someone

5. What does “raise the bar” mean?
a) Lower expectations
b) Keep things the same
c) Increase standards

Answer
c) Increase standards

2. Idioms for Problem-Solving

These idioms help you describe issues and how teams react to challenges.

6. 👉 Put Out Fires (V)

Meaning: Solve urgent, unexpected problems.
Example: I spent the whole morning putting out fires after the system crashed.

7. 👉 Hit the Roof/Ceiling (V)

Meaning: Become very angry.
Example: The manager hit the ceiling when he saw the final costs.

8. 👉 A Wake-Up Call (N)

Meaning: A warning that helps you take action.
Example: Missing last month’s target was a wake-up call for our team.

9. 👉 A Sticky Situation (N)

Meaning: A difficult or uncomfortable problem.
Example: We’re in a sticky situation with this supplier delay.

10. 👉 Cushion the Blow (V)

Meaning: Reduce the negative impact of something.
Example: Offering extra support helped cushion the blow of the policy change.

✅ Test Yourself: Problem-Solving Idioms

1. What does “put out fires” mean?
a) Deal with urgent problems
b) Start new projects
c) Organise staff parties

Answer
a) Deal with urgent problems

2. What does “hit the ceiling” mean?
a) Measure the office height
b) Become very angry
c) Fix a light

Answer
b) Become very angry

3. What is “a wake-up call”?
a) A morning alarm
b) A warning that helps you act
c) A phone reminder

Answer
b) A warning that helps you act

4. What does “a sticky situation” describe?
a) A fun activity
b) A difficult problem
c) A clean office

Answer
b) A difficult problem

5. What does “cushion the blow” mean?
a) Make something less harmful
b) Delay bad news forever
c) Ignore the issue

Answer
a) Make something less harmful

3. Idioms for Planning and Strategy

These expressions help you talk about goals, preparation, and future decisions.

11. 👉 The Big Picture (N)

Meaning: The overall view, not the small details.
Example: Let’s focus on the big picture before discussing the minor issues.

12. 👉 Lay the Groundwork (V)

Meaning: Prepare the basics for something important.
Example: We need to lay the groundwork before launching the new service.

13. 👉 Move the Goalposts (V)

Meaning: Change the rules or expectations unfairly.
Example: The client keeps moving the goalposts, which slows down the project.

14. 👉 Play It by Ear (V)

Meaning: Decide what to do as things happen.
Example: The plan is not final yet, so let’s play it by ear tomorrow.

15. 👉 At the End of the Day (Adv)

Meaning: Ultimately; when everything is considered.
Example: At the end of the day, customer satisfaction is what matters most.

✅ Test Yourself: Planning & Strategy Idioms

1. What does “the big picture” mean?
a) The full view
b) A painting
c) A small detail

Answer
a) The full view

2. What does “lay the groundwork” mean?
a) Do basic preparation
b) Decorate an office
c) Pause a project

Answer
a) Do basic preparation

3. What does “move the goalposts” mean?
a) Play sports
b) Change rules unfairly
c) Improve performance

Answer
b) Change rules unfairly

4. What does “play it by ear” mean?
a) Follow strict rules
b) Decide as you go
c) Listen to music

Answer
b) Decide as you go

5. What does “at the end of the day” mean?
a) At 5 pm
b) After everything is considered
c) After work events

Answer
b) After everything is considered

4. Idioms for Results and Performance

These idioms help you describe success, progress, or problems in performance.

16. 👉 Pay Off (V)

Meaning: Bring good results after effort.
Example: Your hard work really paid off during the audit.

17. 👉 Fall Through the Cracks (V)

Meaning: Be forgotten or missed.
Example: Let’s check the list again so nothing falls through the cracks.

18. 👉 Bring Something to the Table (V)

Meaning: Offer skills, ideas, or value.
Example: She brings a lot to the table with her sales experience.

19. 👉 Make the Cut (V)

Meaning: Meet the necessary standard.
Example: Only five proposals made the cut for the final review.

20. 👉 A Game Plan (N)

Meaning: A clear strategy or plan of action.
Example: We need a strong game plan for next quarter.

✅ Test Yourself: Performance Idioms

1. What does “pay off” mean?
a) Cause problems
b) Produce good results
c) Reduce salaries

Answer
b) Produce good results

2. What does “fall through the cracks” mean?
a) Get lost or forgotten
b) Improve quickly
c) Get approved fast

Answer
a) Get lost or forgotten

3. What does “bring something to the table” mean?
a) Offer skills or value
b) Deliver food
c) Cancel a meeting

Answer
a) Offer skills or value

4. What does “make the cut” mean?
a) Fail badly
b) Meet the required standard
c) Leave early

Answer
b) Meet the required standard

5. What is “a game plan”?
a) A written complaint
b) A detailed strategy
c) A sports schedule

Answer
b) A detailed strategy

Conclusion

There you go – 20 really useful idioms ready to use right now! I hope you enjoyed the list and that it helps you sound more fluent at work. Which one will you try first? Let me know in the comments. I always love hearing from you! 😊

More idioms here: 👉 A-Z Idiom Category List

ℹ️ Other Useful Pages

👉 Business English Vocabulary List
👉 Business English Idioms List

👥 Support Spaces

👉 Student Space
👉 Tutor Toolkit

⭐️ Extras

📫 Get a Daily Idiom

December 4, 2025
Learn Common Business Idioms
Hey there! If you’ve ever felt a bit lost when colleagues start throwing around phrases like “let’s circle back” or “the ball’s in your court”, you’re not alone. These little idioms pop up in every meeting and email – and once you know them, you suddenly sound so much more natural and confident.

That’s why I’ve put together this list of 20 super-common workplace idioms that my students always ask for. Each one comes with a clear meaning, a real-life example, and a quick quiz so you can test yourself straight away (answers are right there – no cheating needed 😉).

Go through them at your own pace, repeat the quizzes as many times as you like, and have fun with them!

Teacher Rob 😊

Learn Common Business Idioms

1–5: Daily Work and Tasks
1. 👉 Break the Ice (V)
  Meaning: Start a conversation in a friendly way.
  Example: She told a joke to break the ice at the meeting.
2. 👉 Give It a Shot (V)
  Meaning: Try something.
  Example: I’ve never used this software before, but I’ll give it a shot.
3. 👉 On the Ball (Adj)
  Meaning: Ready and quick to understand things.
  Example: Our new assistant is really on the ball and catches mistakes quickly.
4. 👉 Pull Your Weight (V)
  Meaning: Do your fair share of the work.
  Example: Everyone in the team must pull their weight to meet the deadline.
5. 👉 Set the Bar High (V)
  Meaning: Create high standards.
  Example: The manager sets the bar high for all new projects.
Quick Practice Quiz (1–5)

1. What does “Break the Ice” mean?
A) Delay the meeting
B) Start a conversation in a friendly way
C) Talk about a problem

Answer
B) Start a conversation in a friendly way

2. What does “Give It a Shot” mean?
A) Try something
B) Refuse to help
C) Finish quickly

Answer
A) Try something

3. What does “On the Ball” mean?
A) Ready and quick to understand things
B) Doing a different task
C) Sleeping at work

Answer
A) Ready and quick to understand things

4. What does “Pull Your Weight” mean?
A) Work less than others
B) Do your fair share of the work
C) Take a break

Answer
B) Do your fair share of the work

5. What does “Set the Bar High” mean?
A) Create high standards
B) Lower expectations
C) Take it easy

Answer
A) Create high standards

6–10: Teamwork & Communication
1. 👉 Circle Back (V)
  Meaning: Return to a topic later.
  Example: Let’s circle back to the budget discussion tomorrow.
2. 👉 Pass the Baton (V)
  Meaning: Hand over responsibility to someone else.
  Example: I’ll pass the baton to you once the first draft is done.
3. 👉 In the Same Boat (Adj)
  Meaning: In the same situation.
  Example: We’re all in the same boat trying to finish the project on time.
4. 👉 Speak Your Mind (V)
  Meaning: Say what you really think.
  Example: Don’t be afraid to speak your mind during the team meeting.
5. 👉 The Ball Is in Your Court (V)
  Meaning: It is your turn to make a decision or take action.
  Example: I’ve sent my suggestions. Now the ball is in your court.
Quick Practice Quiz (6–10)

6. What does “Circle Back” mean?
A) Finish the discussion
B) Return to a topic later
C) Cancel the meeting

Answer
B) Return to a topic later

7. What does “Pass the Baton” mean?
A) Hand over responsibility to someone else
B) Start a new project
C) Take a break

Answer
A) Hand over responsibility to someone else

8. What does “In the Same Boat” mean?
A) In the same situation
B) Working in the same room
C) Finished with the job

Answer
A) In the same situation

9. What does “Speak Your Mind” mean?
A) Say what you really think
B) Stay quiet
C) Ask a question

Answer
A) Say what you really think

10. What does “The Ball Is in Your Court” mean?
A) It is your turn to make a decision or take action
B) Someone else is responsible
C) Take a break

Answer
A) It is your turn to make a decision or take action

11–15: Planning & Decision-Making
1. 👉 Back to Square One (V)
  Meaning: Start again from the beginning.
  Example: The client rejected the proposal, so we’re back to square one.
2. 👉 Go With the Flow (V)
  Meaning: Relax and follow the situation.
  Example: Let’s go with the flow and see what the team suggests.
3. 👉 On the Fence (Adj)
  Meaning: Not able to decide.
  Example: I’m on the fence about which software to choose.
4. 👉 Call the Shots (V)
  Meaning: Be in control or make decisions.
  Example: The manager calls the shots on this project.
5. 👉 Red Tape (N)
  Meaning: Complicated rules and procedures.
  Example: We spent weeks trying to get through all the red tape.
Quick Practice Quiz (11–15)

11. What does “Back to Square One” mean?
A) Start again from the beginning
B) Finish the project early
C) Skip steps

Answer
A) Start again from the beginning

12. What does “Go With the Flow” mean?
A) Relax and follow the situation
B) Take control of everything
C) Work faster

Answer
A) Relax and follow the situation

13. What does “On the Fence” mean?
A) Not able to decide
B) Very confident
C) Working fast

Answer
A) Not able to decide

14. What does “Call the Shots” mean?
A) Be in control or make decisions
B) Wait for instructions
C) Work silently

Answer
A) Be in control or make decisions

15. What does “Red Tape” mean?
A) Complicated rules and procedures
B) Helpful guidance
C) Short meetings

Answer
A) Complicated rules and procedures

16–20: Workplace Challenges
1. 👉 Bite the Bullet (V)
  Meaning: Do something difficult that cannot be avoided.
  Example: I had to bite the bullet and give the presentation myself.
2. 👉 Hit a Snag (V)
  Meaning: Face a small problem.
  Example: We hit a snag with the website, but the developer fixed it quickly.
3. 👉 In the Long Run (Adv)
  Meaning: Over a long period of time.
  Example: In the long run, training your team properly saves time.
4. 👉 Learn the Ropes (V)
  Meaning: To learn how to do a job.
  Example: It takes a few weeks to learn the ropes at this company.
5. 👉 A Tall Order (N)
  Meaning: A task that is difficult to do.
  Example: Finishing the project in one day is a tall order.
Quick Practice Quiz (16–20)

16. What does “Bite the Bullet” mean?
A) Do something difficult that cannot be avoided
B) Take a long break
C) Ask for help

Answer
A) Do something difficult that cannot be avoided

17. What does “Hit a Snag” mean?
A) Face a small problem
B) Get a promotion
C) Join a new team

Answer
A) Face a small problem

18. What does “In the Long Run” mean?
A) Over a long period of time
B) Immediately
C) Only today

Answer
A) Over a long period of time

19. What does “Learn the Ropes” mean?
A) To learn how to do a job
B) Quit a job
C) Check instructions

Answer
A) To learn how to do a job

20. What does “A Tall Order” mean?
A) A task that is difficult to do
B) An easy task
C) A short break

Answer
A) A task that is difficult to do

Conclusion

There you go – 20 everyday business idioms you can start using today! I promise you’ll hear at least a few of these in your next meeting or email – and now you’ll know exactly what they mean (and how to use them yourself).

Which one was your favourite? Mine’s still “bite the bullet” – it just feels so satisfying to say! Drop your favourite in the comments below, I really love hearing from you.

Ready for hundreds more?

👉 Check out the full A-Z Idioms List

Happy learning, Teacher Rob 🙋‍♂️

ℹ️ Other Useful Pages

👉 Business English Vocabulary List
👉 Business English Idioms List

👥 Support Spaces

👉 Student Space
👉 Tutor Toolkit

⭐️ Extras

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December 3, 2025
Learn Business Idioms for Beginners
Learn Business Idioms for Beginners

After teaching business English for many years, I’ve watched hundreds of beginners freeze the first time a colleague says “let’s touch base” or “keep me in the loop.” They smile, nod… and secretly panic because they have no idea what was just said.

That’s why I made this page especially for beginners. These are the exact 10 idioms my students master in their very first month. The ones that very quickly stop them feeling lost in meetings and emails.

Each one comes with a dead-simple explanation, a real-work example, and a quiz you can take as many times as you like. No information overload, just phrases you’ll actually hear in the office tomorrow.

Ready to sound less like a textbook and more like a colleague? Let’s start.

Teacher Rob.

Why Learn Business Idioms as a Beginner?
- They help you understand natural English at work.
- They make your speaking and writing more fluent.
- They help you avoid misunderstandings in meetings and emails.
- They allow you to connect better with colleagues and clients.
I tell my students that they do not need to learn hundreds of idioms right away. Start with a small group of everyday idioms and slowly progress from there.

10 Easy Business Idioms for Beginners

Below are beginner-friendly idioms with short meanings and clear examples. Each heading links to your full idiom page.
1. 👉 In the Loop (V)
  Meaning: To stay informed about something.
  Example: Please keep me in the loop about the project changes.
2. 👉 O n the Same Page (Adj)
  Meaning: To agree and understand each other.
  Example: Let’s check we are all on the same page before we continue.
3. 👉 Touch Base (V)
  Meaning: To make quick contact with someone.
  Example: I will touch base with you tomorrow morning.
4. 👉 Get Back to You (V)
  Meaning: To return with an answer later.
  Example: I need to check the information. I will get back to you this afternoon.
5. 👉 In a Nutshell (Adv)
  Meaning: To explain something in a very short way.
  Example: In a nutshell, the plan is to launch next month.
6. 👉 Think Outside the Box (V)
  Meaning: To be creative and try new ideas.
  Example: We need to think outside the box to solve this problem.
7. 👉 Ahead of the Game (Adj)
  Meaning: To be in a good position early.
  Example: If we start now, we can stay ahead of the game.
8. 👉 On Track (Adj)
  Meaning: Making the right progress.
  Example: The team is on track to finish this week.
9. 👉 Go the Extra Mile (V)
  Meaning: To make more effort than expected.
  Example: She always goes the extra mile for her clients.
10. 👉 In Hot Water (Adj)
  Meaning: In trouble.
  Example: He was in hot water after the report was late.
Take a Quick Practice Quiz

1. Please make sure to keep me _______. (informed)
A) go the extra mile
B) in the loop
C) think outside the box

Answer
B) in the loop

2. Before starting the project, we need to make sure everyone is ________. (thinking/understanding the same way)
A) on the same page
B) in hot water
C) ahead of the game

Answer
A) on the same page

3. I will _______ with you tomorrow to check the progress. (contact briefly)
A) touch base
B) get back to you
C) go the extra mile

Answer
A) touch base

4. I need to check the details. I will _______ later. (contact you after checking)
A) get back to you
B) in a nutshell
C) think outside the box

Answer
A) get back to you

5. _______, the project will be completed by next week. (short summary)
A) In a nutshell
B) On track
C) Ahead of the game

Answer
A) In a nutshell

6. The team needs to _______ to find creative solutions. (try new and different ideas)
A) go the extra mile
B) think outside the box
C) keep in the loop

Answer
B) think outside the box

7. If we start early, we will be ________. (in front)
A) ahead of the game
B) on track
C) in hot water

Answer
A) ahead of the game

8. The team is _______ to finish the report on time. (inside schedule)
A) in hot water
B) on track
C) in a nutshell

Answer
B) on track

9. She always _______ to help her clients. (gives extra effort)
A) goes the extra mile
B) touches base
C) gets back to you

Answer
A) goes the extra mile

10. He was _______ after missing the deadline. (in trouble)
A) in hot water
B) on the same page
C) ahead of the game

Answer
A) in hot water

👉 Get an Idiom Every Day + a Quiz in Your Inbox (free)

👉 Business Communication Idioms
👉 Business Meetings Idioms
👉 Sales and Customer Service Idioms

👉 A-Z Idiom Lists

Conclusion

There you go — your first 10 “survival” business idioms are now in your head.

My students tell me the moment they start dropping “touch base” or “get back to you” in real conversations, something clicks: suddenly the native speakers treat them differently (more respect, fewer slow explanations).

The secret? Use one or two of these every day this week. Say them out loud, write them in an email, try them in your next call.

Want the easiest way to never forget them? I’ll send you one beginner-friendly idiom + a quick quiz every morning — completely free. Thousands of professionals already do this and say it’s the habit that finally made English feel natural.

👉 Get an Idiom Every Day + a Quiz in Your Inbox (free)

See you there! Teacher Rob

What is Your Favourite Idiom?

P.S. My personal favourite from this list is “think outside the box”. Which one is yours? Drop it in the comments, I read every single one.
November 29, 2025
The Most Effective Idioms For Emails
The Most Effective Idioms For Emails

With much experience teaching Business English, I’ve heard the same complaint from hundreds of students: “I know the words, but my emails sound too stiff. I sound like a robot, not a real person.”

That’s where idioms come in. They’re the secret to making your emails warmer, clearer, and more professional without trying too hard.

I’ve hand-picked these 12 most effective idioms for emails that my students use every day. Ones that get replies like “Great idea!” instead of silence.

Each one has a simple meaning, an example sentence, and a quick tip from me. Plus quizzes to test yourself as many times as you like.

Ready to make your emails work harder for you? Let’s dive in.

Teacher Rob

1. Idioms That Improve Clarity in Emails

These idioms help you describe progress, status, or uncertainty in a simple, friendly way.

👉 Touch base (v)

Meaning: Contact someone for a quick update.
Email example: Can we touch base tomorrow morning about the project timeline?
Teacher tip: Friendly and natural. Suitable for colleagues, but avoid in very formal messages.

👉 Keep Someone In the loop (v)

Meaning: Keep someone informed.
Email example: “I’ll keep you in the loop if anything changes.”
Teacher tip: Good for teamwork. Clear in most English-speaking workplaces.

👉 Up in the air (adj)

Meaning: Something is still undecided.
Email example: “The exact launch date is still up in the air.”
Teacher tip: Fine for internal emails. Avoid with clients who may want more precise information.

👉 On track (adj)

Meaning: Moving forward as planned.
Email example: “Everything is on track for Friday’s delivery.”

👉 More idioms about Business Communication

✅ Quick Quiz

1. What does “touch base” mean?
a) Contact someone briefly
b) Start a project
c) Complete a task

Answer
a) Contact someone briefly

2. What does “keep someone in the loop” mean?
a) Not inform someone
b) inform someone
c) Confused

Answer
b) inform someone

3. What does “up in the air” mean?
a) Uncertain or undecided
b) Completed
c) Important

Answer
a) Uncertain or undecided

4. What does “on track” mean?
a) Behind schedule
b) Moving forward as planned
c) Needs review

Answer
b) Moving forward as planned

2. Idioms for Softening Requests

These expressions help you make polite requests without sounding demanding.

👉 At your earliest convenience

Meaning: When you have time (polite).
Email example: “Please send the updated slides at your earliest convenience.”

👉 Give me a heads-up

Meaning: Inform someone before something happens.
Email example: “Please give me a heads-up if you expect any delays.”

👉 On your radar

Meaning: Something you should be aware of.
Email example: “I wanted to put this potential issue on your radar.”
Teacher tip: Friendly and modern. Works well in most professional emails.

✅ Quick Quiz

1. What does “at your earliest convenience” mean?
a) Do it as soon as you can (polite request)
b) Whenever you want (No rush)
c) Immediately, urgently (Now)

Answer
a) Do it as soon as you can (polite request)

2. What does “give me a heads-up” mean?
a) Ignore me
b) Inform me before something happens
c) Start the work yourself

Answer
b) Inform me before something happens

3. What does “on your radar” mean?
a) Something you should notice
b) Something to avoid
c) Something you should complete now

Answer
a) Something you should notice

3. Idioms for Expressing Deadlines and Time Pressure

These expressions help you talk about timing in a clear, relatable way.

👉 Against the clock (adj)

Meaning: Working under time pressure.
Email example: “Our team is working against the clock to finalise the report.”

👉 In no time (adj)

Meaning: Very quickly.
Email example: “I’ll review the proposal and get back to you in no time.”

👉 Last-minute (adj)

Meaning: Very late or close to the deadline.
Email example: “Thanks for handling that last-minute request.”
Teacher tip: Neutral and widely used, but avoid overusing it.

👉 More Time Management Idioms.

✅ Quick Quiz

1. What does “against the clock” mean?
a) Working under time pressure
b) Working calmly
c) Starting early

Answer
a) Working under time pressure

2. What does “in no time” mean?
a) Very slowly
b) Very quickly
c) At a fixed time

Answer
b) Very quickly

3. What does “last-minute” mean?
a) Very late, close to the deadline
b) Planned in advance
c) Early submission

Answer
a) Very late, close to the deadline

4. Idioms for Strengthening Tone and Building Relationships

These idioms help you sound supportive and collaborative.

👉 On the same page (adj)

Meaning: Share the same understanding.
Email example: “Let’s have a quick chat to make sure we’re on the same page before the call.”

👉 Go the extra mile (V)

Meaning: Put in extra effort.
Email example: “Thank you for going the extra mile with yesterday’s presentation.”

👉 A quick win (n)

Meaning: A small action with a fast result.
Email example: “Cleaning up the shared folder could be a quick win for our team.”

Use these idioms to create a positive and collaborative tone. They work especially well in team communication.

✅ Quick Quiz

1. What does “on the same page” mean?
a) Share the same understanding
b) Disagree on plans
c) Read a book together

Answer
a) Share the same understanding

2. What does “go the extra mile” mean?
a) Put in extra effort
b) Travel a long distance
c) Finish quickly

Answer
a) Put in extra effort

3. What does “a quick win” mean?
a) A small, easily achieved success
b) A long-term goal
c) A competition victory

Answer
a) A small, easily achieved success

5. When to NOT Use Idioms in Emails

Idioms can cause confusion in certain situations. Avoid them when:
- Communicating with clients or partners who may not be confident in English
- Writing legal, financial, or highly technical information
- Sending messages where clarity must be 100% certain
- You are unsure whether the reader will understand the expression
Teacher tip: If clarity is more important than tone, choose plain English.

6. Get Daily Idiom Support by Email

If you want to build your idiom skills step by step, you can join my Daily Idiom Email. You’ll receive one useful business idiom each day, with an example and a short explanation.

👉 Sign up here: Get a Daily Idiom

It’s an easy, low-pressure way to grow your vocabulary.

7. Useful Idiom Resources on the Site

Here are links to help you explore idioms by category — perfect if you want quick access to more examples:

👉 Business Communication Idioms
👉 Time Management Idioms
👉 Sales & Customer Service Idioms
👉 A-Z Business English Idioms Category List

What to Do Now?

There you go: 12 simple idioms that can transform your emails from boring to brilliant, one phrase at a time.

My students say the magic happens when they start with just 1–2 per message: suddenly colleagues respond faster, clients trust them more, and the whole conversation flows better.

The best way to make them second nature? Pick one today, drop it in your next email, and see what happens.

Want one new idiom + a 30-second quiz in your inbox every morning to keep the momentum? Thousands of professionals already do this — completely free.

👉 Get an Idiom + Quiz in Your Inbox Every Day (free)

See you tomorrow! Teacher Rob

P.S. What’s Your favourite Idiom From the List?

My personal favourite is “go the extra mile”. One student used it in a thank-you email to his boss and it was certainly noticed. Which one was yours? Drop it in the comments, I read every single one 🙂
November 26, 2025
The Best Way To Learn Business English Idioms Quickly
The Best Way to Learn Business English Idioms Quickly

After nearly a decade of giving Business English lessons, I can tell you the #1 reason most professionals get stuck with idioms: they try to memorise huge lists of 50–100 idioms all at once… and give up after a week.

I don’t want that to happen to you.

That’s why I put this page (and my whole website) together – to make learning business idioms, phrases, and vocabulary much easier and actually enjoyable.

On this page, you’ll discover my exact 9-step system that lets even my busiest students (CEOs, engineers, accountants) sound natural in meetings and emails in just a few minutes a day.

No giant word lists. No boring theory. Just simple steps that work in the real world.

Ready to finally make idioms stick – and have fun doing it? Let’s go!

Teacher Rob 😊

1. Learn Idioms by Topic

The easiest and most effective way to learn idioms is to study them in groups. When idioms follow a theme, your brain connects them more easily.

For example:
When you study idioms by topic, the meaning becomes clearer because you can imagine real situations at work.
👉 Explore all categories: Business English Idioms List

2. Start With a Small Number Each Day

Many learners try to study too many idioms at once, and this makes learning harder. Instead, choose three to five idioms per day.

This small number is easy to manage and helps you learn faster.

To make this simple, you can also get one idiom sent to your email every day. This gives you a short, easy lesson that fits into your daily routine.
👉 Get a Daily Business English Idiom

3. Read Example Sentences Carefully

Examples show you how idioms are used in real business situations. Do not skip this step. When you read example sentences, you learn:
- the tone
- the situation
- the level of formality
- the natural way people use the idiom
Good examples make idioms easier to remember and easier to use.

4. Write Your Own Examples

After reading examples, write your own short sentence. It does not need to be perfect. The goal is to connect the idiom to your real job.

For example:
If the idiom is “think outside the box,” you could write:
“We need to think outside the box to solve this client problem.”

When you make it personal, the idiom becomes part of your active vocabulary.

5. Use Idioms in Real Conversations

The best way to remember an idiom is to use it. Try using one idiom in:
- a meeting
- a message to a colleague
- a short email
- a chat with your boss or client
You only need one use per day to make strong progress.

6. Review Regularly

Review is the secret to long-term memory. Every week, spend 5–10 minutes checking:
- past idioms
- your example sentences
- new idioms you want to learn next
Small, regular review sessions are much better than long, difficult study sessions.

7. Use Idiom Tables for Fast Learning

Idiom tables help you scan, select, and compare idioms quickly. On my website, each category has a table with twenty idioms. You can open a category, choose a few idioms, and start learning immediately.

Here are some examples of popular categories:
- 👉 Business Meeting Idioms
- 👉 Leadership & Management Idioms
- 👉 Negotiation Idioms
- 👉 Marketing & Sales Idioms
- 👉 Stress Management Idioms
- 👉 Presentations & Speeches Idioms
- 👉 Time Management Idioms
- 👉 A-Z idiom List
These tables are great for quick learning and fast review.

8. Choose a Method You Enjoy

Some learners like reading. Others like listening. Some enjoy writing sentences or using flashcards.

There is no “perfect method.”
The best method is the one you enjoy, because you will continue using it.

Try these ideas:
- Read idioms in short daily lessons.
- Listen to business podcasts and underline idioms you hear.
- Make a small notebook of your favourite idioms.
- Use digital flashcards for daily practice.
Choose what works best for you.

9. Test Yourself (Very Important Step)

Testing yourself is one of the best ways to remember new idioms. When you answer questions, your brain becomes more active and the idioms stay in your long-term memory. This is why every idiom page on my website includes short exercises.

Here is the best way to use them:
- Do the practice exercises on each idiom page (fill in the blank, multiple choice, rewrite).
- Do not check the answers immediately. Give yourself time to think first.
- Try again after a few days. If you can still answer correctly, you really know the idiom.
- If you want daily practice delivered by email, you can join my free programme:
  👉 Get a Daily Idiom (one simple idiom lesson every day).
In the future, I will have lots of test available for you to take on this website. Until then keep enjoying your learning journey.

What To Do Now?

Now you see — the exact system I give every new private student on day one.

Pick one tip, try it tomorrow, and you’ll be shocked how fast “Think outside the box” or “Touch base” starts rolling off your tongue without thinking.

Want the absolute easiest way to never forget them? Every morning I send one hand-picked idiom + a 30-second quiz to thousands of professionals worldwide — completely free.

Click below and tomorrow’s lesson lands in your inbox while you drink your coffee.

👉 Get Your Daily Idiom + Quiz Here (free)

See you tomorrow! Teacher Rob

What’s Your Favourite Tip?

My personal favourite is Number 4 : “Write Your Own Examples”.

One of my students used this tip and wrote three sentences about his actual project using some idioms. Then he used one idiom in a meeting the same week. He got told by a colleague, “Your English is really improving!”

Which tip are you going to try first? Drop it in the comments, I read every single one 🙂
November 26, 2025
Learn Business English Idioms By Category

Learn Business English Idioms By Category

During nearly 10 years of teaching Business English, I’ve watched hundreds of professionals start a giant idiom list, get overwhelmed, then give up by day three.

That’s why my students love this A-Z category list. It’s organised logically by real work categories (meetings, sales, leadership, and more). Each category has just 20 practical, everyday idioms so you won’t feel lost.

Why learn like this? It’s faster, sticks better, and gives you a system you’ll actually use.

Pick any category below that takes your interest and start learning today! 😁

Happy learning!
Teacher Rob 🙋‍♂️

Business English Idioms A-Z Category List

Accounting & Finance Idioms

Money language is important in every company. Finance idioms help you talk about budgets, profits, and financial plans in a clear way.
👉 Finance & Accounting Idioms

Business Meetings Idioms

These idioms help you understand and join discussions in team meetings, updates, and planning sessions.
👉 Business Meeting Idioms

Career Development Idioms

These idioms are helpful when you talk about promotions, skills, and future career goals.
👉 Career Development Idioms

Change Management Process Idioms

When companies change direction, teams need clear communication. These idioms help you talk about transitions and new strategies.
👉 Change Management Idioms

Collaboration & Teamwork Idioms

Good teamwork is essential. These idioms help you speak about cooperation and working with others.
👉 Collaboration & Teamwork Idioms

Communication Idioms

These idioms help you express ideas clearly in emails, conversations, and presentations.
👉 Communication Idioms

Complaints Idioms

Useful when you need to talk about problems, service issues, or customer concerns.
👉 Complaints Idioms

Conflict & Conflict Resolution Idioms

These idioms help you discuss disagreements and positive solutions in a professional way.
👉 Conflict & Conflict Resolution Idioms

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Idioms

These idioms help you speak about company values, sustainability, and ethical decisions.
👉 CSR Idioms

Cross-Cultural Communication Idioms

Essential for global teams. These idioms help you communicate with people from different backgrounds.
👉 Cross-Cultural Communication Idioms

Want one new idiom + quiz in your inbox every day (free)?
→ Join 5,000+ professionals getting my daily email
[Big button: Yes, send me the daily idiom → link to opt-in]

Decision Making & Problem Solving Idioms

These idioms help you talk about choices, solutions, and analysing situations.
👉 Decision Making & Problem Solving Idioms

Entrepreneur & Startup Idioms

Useful for new businesses, innovation, and fast growth environments.
👉 Entrepreneur & Startup Idioms

Ethics Idioms for Business

These idioms help you speak about honesty, fairness, and good behaviour at work.
👉 Ethics Idioms

Humour in Business Idioms

These idioms bring a light, friendly tone to the workplace and help with social communication.
👉 Humour in Business Idioms

Innovation Idioms

Good for talking about new ideas, creativity, and modern solutions.
👉 Innovation Idioms

Job Interview Idioms

These idioms help you feel confident when answering questions and talking about your experience.
👉 Job Interview Idioms

Leadership & Management Idioms

Perfect for managers and team leaders. These idioms help you talk about guiding teams and making decisions.
👉 Leadership Idioms

Marketing & Sales Idioms

These idioms help you talk about customers, selling, advertising, and business goals.
👉 Marketing & Sales Idioms

Motivation Idioms

These idioms help you speak about encouragement, goals, and positive behaviour at work.
👉 Motivation & Perseverance Idioms

Negotiation Idioms

Useful for talking about deals, agreements, and finding a fair outcome.
👉 Negotiation Idioms

Presentations & Speeches Idioms

These idioms help you speak more naturally when presenting ideas to others.
👉 Presentation Idioms

Productivity Idioms

These idioms help you talk about working efficiently and managing tasks well.
👉 Productivity Idioms

Project Management & Execution Idioms

Useful for planning, timelines, and completing work successfully.
👉 Project Management Idioms

Regulation & Compliance Idioms

These idioms help you discuss rules, standards, and company policies.
👉 Regulation & Compliance Idioms

Relationships & Networking Idioms

Useful for building strong professional connections.
👉 Relationships & Networking Idioms

Risk Management & Competition Idioms

These idioms help you talk about challenges, market changes, and strategic choices.
👉 Risk & Competition Idioms

Sales & Idioms

Good for customer and sales representative relationships.
👉 Sales idioms

Software & IT Idioms

These idioms help you talk about technology in a simple and friendly way.
👉 Software & IT Idioms

Stress Management Idioms

Useful for speaking about pressure, deadlines, and mental wellbeing at work.
👉 Stress Management Idioms

Supply Chain & Logistics Idioms

Good for teams who work with transport, goods, and operations.
👉 Supply Chain & Logistics Idioms

Time Management Idioms

These idioms help you talk about planning your day and finishing tasks on time.
👉 Time Management Idioms

Work-Life Balance Idioms

Useful for talking about personal time, rest, and healthy habits.
👉 Work-Life Balance Idioms

Work Styles Idioms

These idioms help you describe different ways people work in an office.
👉 Work Styles Idioms

Conclusion

There you have it, your complete A-Z roadmap to sounding like a native in any business situation.

The fastest way to actually remember these? Get one hand-picked idiom + a short quiz in your inbox every morning.

Thousands of managers, engineers, and accountants already do this and tell me it’s the single habit that finally made idioms “stick”.

→ Click here to start your free daily idiom (takes 8 seconds)

See you in your inbox tomorrow!
Teacher Rob

November 25, 2025
To Ace Something
🗓️ Idiom: To Ace Something (v)

💬 Meaning
- To do something extremely well.
- To complete a task with excellent results.
🧠 Example Sentences
- She aced the job interview and got an offer the next day.
- If you practise your answers tonight, you can ace tomorrow’s interview.
- He aced the presentation by speaking clearly and staying confident.
🏛️ Origin

The word ace has been used for a long time to describe someone who is very skilled. During World War I, a fighter pilot who shot down five or more enemy planes was called an ace. These pilots were known for their high skill and success. To ace something became a common expression meaning “to do extremely well.”

📝 Practice Exercises

1. Fill in the blank:
If you stay calm and prepare well, you can __________ the final interview.

Answer
ace

2. Multiple choice:
What does “to ace something” mean?
a) To avoid doing something
b) To do something extremely well
c) To finish something very slowly

Answer
b) To do something extremely well

3. Change the sentence using “to ace something”:
“She performed very well in her job interview.”

Answer
She aced her job interview.

ℹ️ Other Useful Pages

📚 Learning Resources

👉 Job Interview Idioms
👉 Business English Idioms List

👥 Support Spaces

👉 Student Space
👉 Tutor Toolkit

⭐️ Extras

📫 Get a Daily Idiom
🚀 Build a Business with AI
November 20, 2025