Speak business English – idioms and phrases (Exercise)
How to Speak Business English: Idioms and Phrases
In business English, it’s not enough to simply know technical terms. Idioms and phrases are an integral part of everyday communication in professional environments. Mastering these idioms will help you sound more natural and professional, as well as better understand colleagues and partners from English-speaking countries.
What Are Business Idioms?
Idioms are phrases that cannot be understood literally. They carry meanings that do not always correspond to the individual words in the phrase. In business English, idioms are widely used to describe situations, strategies, financial operations, and other aspects of business.
How to Use Idioms in Business?
Idioms should be used carefully, as they might be unclear to those unfamiliar with English-speaking cultures. It’s essential to remember that business English requires precision and clarity in expressing ideas. While idioms can add a natural flow to your speech, make sure they are understood correctly by your audience.
To practice, try the test on business idioms and expressions below. It will help you assess how well you understand and can apply these phrases in business scenarios.
To start, simply click “start.” It’s free and doesn’t require registration. Use these idioms in your business communication and observe how they enhance your professionalism and effectiveness in business settings.
Key Business Idioms and Their Meanings
Here are some of the business idioms and phrases you may encounter in the quiz:
Rip off
“Rip off” means to illegally copy or steal an idea or product. In the business world, this phrase is used when companies steal intellectual property or developments from others.
Example: They ripped it off from an inventor.
Mum’s the word
“Mum’s the word” means to keep something secret and not to tell anyone.
Example: Andrea is planning to quit her job at the end of September, but mum’s the word.
Make a killing
“Make a killing” means to earn a significant amount of money from something.
Example: Sony has made a killing on its popular PlayStation line.
Get off the ground
“Get off the ground” means to start a project or activity that has been in preparation for a long time.
Example: The company was finally able to get its project off the ground.
Game plan
“Game plan” refers to a clear action plan or strategy to achieve a particular goal.
Example: Do they have a game plan?
Under wraps
“Under wraps” means to keep something secret or not reveal information.
Example: Experts recommend you keep your current salary under wraps.
Bells and whistles
“Bells and whistles” refers to additional, often unnecessary but attractive features in a product.
Example: Don’s new cell phone has all sorts of bells and whistles.
Get wind of
“Get wind of” means to learn about something, often accidentally or in advance.
Example: Investors got wind of the fact that the company’s major drug increased the risk of heart attacks.
In the black
“In the black” means that a company is making a profit.
Example: The company is finally in the black after two years of losses.
Back to square one
“Back to square one” means to return to the beginning after unsuccessful attempts.
Example: The team is back to square one after multiple failed attempts.
On the same page
“On the same page” means that all participants agree on a plan or idea.
Example: We need to make sure everyone is on the same page.
Cut corners
“Cut corners” means to do something faster and cheaper, often sacrificing quality.
Example: They had to cut corners to meet the deadline.
Throw in the towel
“Throw in the towel” means to give up or stop trying to do something.
Example: She’s ready to throw in the towel after struggling with the project for months.
Bring to the table
“Bring to the table” means to offer something useful or new to the team or project.
Example: He is expected to bring a lot to the table with his experience.
Off the ground
“Off the ground” means to successfully start a project or activity.
Example: After the merger, the company is finally off the ground.