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Category: idioms

  • No Strings Attached

    🗓️ Idiom: No Strings Attached (adv/adj)

    💬 Meaning

    • To offer or receive something with no hidden conditions, obligations, or commitments.
    • Used to describe deals, offers, or gifts that are given freely and without expecting anything in return.

    🧠 Example Sentences

    • The company offered a free trial with no strings attached.
    • He gave her the bonus with no strings attached—it was purely a reward.
    • Be careful with deals that seem too good to be true; they rarely come with no strings attached.

    🏛️ Origin

    The idiom no strings attached likely originated with 18th-century fabric merchants. They would tie “strings” to mark mistakes in the fabric. Therefore, requesting fabric “with no strings attached” meant wanting a perfect, unblemished piece, free from any hidden issues or catches.

    📝 Practice Exercises

    1. Fill in the blank:

    The lawyer assured them that the offer came with __________.

    Answer

    no strings attached

    2. Choose the correct meaning of “no strings attached”:

    A) With several conditions
    B) Without any hidden terms or commitments
    C) Attached to a contract

    Answer

    B) Without any hidden terms or commitments

    3. Rewrite the sentence using the idiom:

    “The investor gave us the funding without asking for anything in return.” → Change the sentence using: no strings attached

    Answer

    The investor gave us the funding with no strings attached.

    ℹ️ Other Useful Pages

    👉 Negotiation Idioms
    👉 Business English Idioms List

  • Strike a Deal

    🗓️ Idiom: Strike a Deal (v)

    💬 Meaning

    • To successfully reach an agreement or make a business arrangement.
    • To negotiate and come to terms with another party.

    🧠 Example Sentences

    • After several rounds of negotiation, the two companies struck a deal.
    • They finally struck a deal that satisfied both parties.
    • Our goal is to strike a deal before the deadline.

    🏛️ Origin

    The idiom “strike a bargain” has roots in historical practices for sealing agreements. The “strike” refers to the physical act of “striking hands” – a handshake – which was a traditional way to confirm a deal. Some theories also link it to ancient rituals where an animal was “struck down” to give ceremony to a treaty or covenant.

    📝 Practice Exercises

    1. Fill in the blank:

    The sales team worked late into the night to __________ with the new client.

    Answer

    strike a deal

    2. Choose the correct meaning of “strike a deal”:

    A) To cancel a contract
    B) To reach an agreement
    C) To end a conversation

    Answer

    B) To reach an agreement

    3. Rewrite the sentence using the idiom:

    “They made an agreement with their competitors to share resources.” → Change the sentence using: strike a deal

    Answer

    They struck a deal with their competitors to share resources.

    ℹ️ Other Useful Pages

    👉 Negotiation Idioms
    👉 Business English Idioms List

  • Find Common Ground

    🗓️ Idiom: Find Common Ground (v)

    💬 Meaning

    • To identify shared interests or agreement in a discussion or negotiation.
    • To reach a mutual understanding despite differences of opinion.

    🧠 Example Sentences

    • During the meeting, the two sides worked hard to find common ground.
    • Even though their goals were different, they eventually found common ground.
    • Successful negotiators always try to find common ground before proposing solutions.

    🏛️ Origin

    The Oxford English Dictionary cites its earliest known use in 1570. The “common” refers to something shared or mutually understood, while “ground” represents a foundation or basis. Common ground meaning a shared space.

    📝 Practice Exercises

    1. Fill in the blank:

    The manager encouraged the team to __________ and resolve the disagreement.

    Answer

    find common ground

    2. Choose the correct meaning of “find common ground”:

    A) To argue without listening
    B) To avoid discussing difficult topics
    C) To reach mutual understanding despite differences

    Answer

    C) To reach mutual understanding despite differences

    3. Rewrite the sentence using the idiom:

    “They tried to agree on something that both sides could accept.” → Change the sentence using: find common ground

    Answer

    They tried to find common ground that both sides could accept.

    ℹ️ Other Useful Pages

    👉 Negotiation Idioms
    👉 Business English Idioms List

  • A Win-Win Situation

    🗓️ Idiom: Win-Win Situation (n)

    💬 Meaning

    • A scenario in which all parties involved benefit or achieve a favorable outcome.
    • An agreement or result that is advantageous to everyone concerned.

    🧠 Example Sentences

    • The partnership turned out to be a win-win situation for both companies.
    • Negotiating flexible hours created a win-win situation for management and staff.
    • We’re aiming for a win-win situation where both sides feel satisfied.

    🏛️ Origin

    This idiom originated in the field of game theory and became popular in the 1960s and 1970s, especially in business and negotiation contexts. It contrasts with “win-lose” scenarios, emphasising outcomes where no party feels defeated or disadvantaged.

    📝 Practice Exercises

    1. Fill in the blank:

    The new contract benefits both the supplier and the retailer. It’s truly a __________.

    Answer

    win-win situation

    2. Choose the correct meaning of “win-win situation”:

    A) A situation where one party dominates the other
    B) A scenario where all parties benefit
    C) A risky business deal

    Answer

    B) A scenario where all parties benefit

    3. Rewrite the sentence using the idiom:

    “Everyone was happy with the results of the negotiation.” → Change the sentence using: win-win situation

    Answer

    The negotiation resulted in a win-win situation.

    ℹ️ Other Useful Pages

    👉 Negotiation Idioms
    👉 Business English Idioms List

  • Change Your Mind

    🗓️ Idiom: Change Your Mind (v)

    💬 Meaning

    • To revise a decision, opinion, or plan that was previously made.
    • To adopt a different point of view or make a different choice after reconsidering.

    🧠 Example Sentences

    • She changed her mind about signing the contract at the last minute.
    • After reviewing the details again, I changed my mind and accepted the deal.
    • You’re allowed to change your mind if something doesn’t feel right.

    🏛️ Origin

    This idiom has been in use since the 17th century and is based on the idea of the mind as something flexible. The mind is capable of transformation or redirection. It shows the human ability for reconsideration and adaptability.

    📝 Practice Exercises

    1. Fill in the blank:

    He planned to reject the proposal, but he __________ after seeing the revised terms.

    Answer

    changed his mind

    2. Choose the correct meaning of “change your mind”:

    A) Make a firm decision
    B) Reverse a previous opinion or decision
    C) Forget to respond

    Answer

    B) Reverse a previous opinion or decision

    3. Rewrite the sentence using the idiom:

    “She decided not to take the job offer after initially accepting it.” → Change the sentence using: change your mind

    Answer

    She changed her mind about taking the job offer.

    ℹ️ Other Useful Pages

    👉 Negotiation Idioms
    👉 Business English Idioms List

  • Sleep On It

    🗓️ Idiom: Sleep on It (v)

    💬 Meaning

    • To delay making a decision until the next day in order to have more time to think clearly.
    • To consider something overnight before coming to a conclusion or taking action.

    🧠 Example Sentences

    • I’m not sure about the offer. I’ll sleep on it and let you know tomorrow.
    • She always prefers to sleep on big decisions before committing.
    • You should sleep on it instead of making a rushed choice.

    🏛️ Origin

    This idiom dates back to at least the 16th century and comes from the idea that a good night’s rest can help clarify your thoughts. By “sleeping on” a problem or decision, one may wake up with a new perspective.

    📝 Practice Exercises

    1. Fill in the blank:

    I need more time to think, so I’ll __________ before replying.

    Answer

    sleep on it

    2. Choose the correct meaning of “sleep on it”:

    A) Take a nap during a meeting
    B) Postpone a decision until the next day
    C) Reject an offer immediately

    Answer

    B) Postpone a decision until the next day

    3. Rewrite the sentence using the idiom:

    “He wanted to wait until the morning before making a final decision.” → Change the sentence using: sleep on it

    Answer

    He wanted to sleep on it before making a final decision.

    ℹ️ Other Useful Pages

    👉 Negotiation Idioms
    👉 Business English Idioms List

  • See Both Sides of the Coin

    🗓️ Idiom: See Both Sides of the Coin (v)

    💬 Meaning

    • To understand or consider two different perspectives or opinions in a situation.
    • To recognize the advantages and disadvantages or opposing arguments in a discussion.

    🧠 Example Sentences

    • A good negotiator can see both sides of the coin before making a decision.
    • She always tries to see both sides of the coin in a disagreement.
    • Understanding both sides of the coin helps teams reach fair solutions.

    🏛️ Origin

    This idiom is based on the physical nature of a coin, which has two distinct sides. It symbolises looking at a situation from more than one angle and acknowledging multiple viewpoints.

    📝 Practice Exercises

    1. Fill in the blank:

    During the salary negotiation, it was helpful to __________ before responding.

    Answer

    see both sides of the coin

    2. Choose the correct meaning of “see both sides of the coin”:

    A) To flip a coin when making decisions
    B) To focus only on your own opinion
    C) To consider different perspectives and opinions

    Answer

    C) To consider different perspectives and opinions

    3. Rewrite the sentence using the idiom:

    “He tried to understand the pros and cons of the proposal.” → Change the sentence using: see both sides of the coin

    Answer

    He tried to see both sides of the coin regarding the proposal.

    ℹ️ Other Useful Pages

    👉 Negotiation Idioms
    👉 Business English Idioms List

  • Leave No Stone Unturned

    🗓️ Idiom: Leave No Stone Unturned (v)

    💬 Meaning

    • To do everything possible in order to achieve a goal or find something.
    • To explore every option or avenue when trying to solve a problem or reach an agreement.

    🧠 Example Sentences

    • The negotiation team left no stone unturned in their effort to close the deal.
    • She promised to leave no stone unturned in her search for the best contract terms.
    • We’ll leave no stone unturned to find a solution that benefits both parties.

    🏛️ Origin

    This idiom dates back to ancient Greece. According to legend, the Oracle of Delphi advised a general to “leave no stone unturned” in his search for a hidden treasure. It has since become a common saying for thoroughness and persistence.

    📝 Practice Exercises

    ℹ️ Other Useful Pages

    👉 Negotiation Idioms
    👉 Business English Idioms List

  • Talk Something Over

    🗓️ Idiom: Talk (Something) Over (v)

    💬 Meaning

    • To discuss an issue, plan, or problem thoroughly before making a decision.
    • To review options and weigh pros and cons in a conversation with others.

    🧠 Example Sentences

    • Before we decide on the contract, let’s talk it over with the legal team.
    • They talked the proposal over for hours and finally agreed on the terms.
    • I need to talk this offer over with my partners before giving you an answer.

    🏛️ Origin

    The phrase likely comes from the notion of “turning something over” in one’s mind, then sharing and examining those thoughts aloud with others. It has been used in English since the 1600s to describe collaborative discussion before action.

    📝 Practice Exercises

    1. Fill in the blank:

    We should _________ the new policy ____ with HR before implementing it.

    Answer

    talk (the new policy) over

    2. Choose the correct meaning of “talk something over”:

    A) To ignore an issue until later
    B) To discuss thoroughly before deciding
    C) To speak at length without conclusion

    Answer

    B) To discuss thoroughly before deciding

    3. Rewrite the sentence using the idiom:

    “Let’s discuss the budget with the finance department before we proceed.” → Change the sentence using: talk something over

    Answer

    Let’s talk the budget over with the finance department before we proceed.

    ℹ️ Other Useful Pages

    👉 Negotiation Idioms
    👉 Business English Idioms List

  • Pass the Torch

    🗓️ Idiom: Pass the Torch (v)

    💬 Meaning

    • To give someone the responsibility for a task, role, or position.
    • To transfer leadership or knowledge to the next person.

    🧠 Example Sentences

    • After thirty years as CEO, she passed the torch to her successor.
    • It’s important for senior managers to mentor younger staff before they pass the torch.
    • The founder passed the torch to a new leadership team but remained involved as an advisor.

    📝 Practice Exercises

    1. Fill in the blank:

    When the director retired, he __________ the torch to his deputy.

    Answer

    passed

    2. Choose the correct meaning of “pass the torch”:

    A) To avoid responsibility
    B) To hand over a role or responsibility to someone else
    C) To criticize someone in public

    Answer

    B) To hand over a role or responsibility to someone else

    3. Rewrite the sentence using the idiom:

    “The team leader gave the new manager full control of the project.” → Change the sentence using: pass the torch

    Answer

    The team leader passed the torch to the new manager.

    ℹ️ Other Useful Pages

    👉 Management and Leadership Idioms
    👉 Full Idioms List