Problem solving and decision making are essential parts of everyday business. During meetings or in communications with your team, you will come across issues that require thinking of possible solutions (brainstorming), then deciding which solution is best for the particular situation. Here are twenty Business English Idioms for those times.
| Idiom | Definition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Put your thinking cap on (v) | To think hard and seriously about something in order to solve a problem or make a decision. | Before our meeting, let’s put our thinking caps on and come up with some creative solutions to the budget shortfall. |
| Chew the fat (v) | To have a casual and leisurely conversation, often to discuss ideas or solve problems. | Let’s chew the fat over lunch and see if we can brainstorm some solutions to the production delays. |
| Brainstorm ideas (v) | To generate a large number of creative ideas or solutions, especially within a group. | We need to brainstorm ideas for our new marketing campaign to attract more customers to our website. |
| Put our heads together (v) | To collaborate or work collectively as a group to solve a problem or come up with a solution. | Let’s put our heads together and figure out the best approach to handle the recent decline in customer satisfaction. |
| Nip it in the bud (v) | To stop a problem or issue in its early stages before it becomes more serious. | We need to nip this conflict in the bud before it escalates and affects the morale of the entire team. |
| Swimming upstream (v) | Facing difficulties or obstacles while trying to achieve something. | Implementing the new policy has been like swimming upstream; many employees are resistant to change. |
| Grasping at straws (v) | Trying anything and everything to find a solution, even if it seems unlikely to succeed. | We’re grasping at straws here; we’ve tried every possible approach to increase sales, but nothing seems to work. |
| Open a can of worms (v) | To introduce a complicated or controversial issue that will likely cause further problems or complications. | Bringing up the topic of layoffs at the staff meeting might open a can of worms we’re not prepared to deal with. |
| Drag your feet (v) | To delay or procrastinate in making a decision or taking action. | The project is falling behind schedule because some team members are dragging their feet on completing their tasks. |
| Cross that bridge when you come to it (v) | To deal with a problem, situation, or decision when and if it arises, rather than worrying about it beforehand. | Let’s not worry about potential setbacks now; we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. |
| Kick the can down the road (v) | To delay dealing with a problem or making a decision, often leading to further complications in the future. | We can’t just kick the can down the road on this issue anymore; it’s time to address it head-on and find a solution. |
| Turn the tide (v) | To cause a significant change in the direction or course of events, usually for the better. | The implementation of the new management strategy has turned the tide for our company, leading to increased productivity. |
| Turn the corner (v) | To reach a point in a process or situation where progress is made, especially after a period of difficulty or struggle. | We’ve finally turned the corner in our negotiations with the client, and it looks like we’re close to reaching an agreement. |
| Light at the end of the tunnel (v) | A sign of hope or relief that a difficult or unpleasant situation will soon end or improve. | Despite the challenges, there’s finally a light at the end of the tunnel, and we’re optimistic about the future. |
| Get off the fence (v) | To make a decision or take a definite position on an issue, rather than remaining undecided or neutral. | It’s time to get off the fence and choose a direction for the project; we can’t afford to delay any longer. |
| Between a rock and a hard place (v) | Facing a difficult situation where there are no easy solutions or choices. | We’re between a rock and a hard place with this contract negotiation; either we accept the unfavorable terms or risk losing the deal altogether. |
| Go out on a limb (v) | To take a risk or put oneself in a vulnerable position for the sake of achieving something. | I’m willing to go out on a limb and invest in this startup because I believe it has great potential for success. |
| Put your neck on the line (v) | To take a risk or put oneself in a vulnerable or dangerous position, often for the sake of others or a greater cause. | I’m willing to put my neck on the line and propose the controversial idea because I believe it’s what’s best for the team. |
| Cross the Rubicon (v) | To reach a point of no return where one must make a decision or take action without the possibility of turning back. | By accepting the promotion, she crossed the Rubicon and committed herself to the challenges and responsibilities that come with the new role. |
| Stroke of genius (v) | An exceptionally intelligent or creative idea or decision that leads to a successful outcome. | Hiring an external consultant to conduct market research was a stroke of genius; it provided invaluable insights into our target audience. |
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