Idiom Explanation Example

This is not good. We need to go back to square

We use this when we need to start something over again because
Back to square one one and try to finish this project in time for the
the previous attempt failed.
meeting.

Ballpark You can use this expression when giving a rough numerical estimate The costs vary from region to region, but a
number/figure or approximation of the value of something. good ballpark figure would be around $2000.

When someone says this they mean that things are done exactly The boss told his accountant that he should
Big picture
according to the rules or the law. do everything by the book.

This idiom is used when we need to make something, like a project

Fast track Kelly, let’s fast track that project you are
or a task, a priority. To fast track something means to speed up the
something working on and finish it by next Friday.
time frame.

Game plan refers to a strategy or plan someone follows to achieve Liam, can you walk us through the game plan
Game plan
success. for the meeting with the investors?

This is very common in workplace conversations meetings. We use it
Get down to
when we feel the need to stop making small talk and start talking
business
about important and relevant topics.
Guys, guys, let’s get down to business, shall
we? You can talk about your dinner plans
after we are done here.

If we want our customers to have the best

We use this expression when we talk about doing more than what
Go the extra mile shopping experience, we need to go the extra
others expect.
mile.

This expression means to use as few words as possible to explain To put it in a nutshell, we will go bankrupt in 6
In a nutshell
something. It is often preceded by the verb ‘to put’. months if we don’t do something about it.

We use this to say that something is at a stage when the level of The construction of the new building is in full
In full swing
activity is at its highest swing.

Kevin will be in the driver’s seat next week.

In the driver’s seat To say that someone is in charge, in control of a situation.
He’s excited about the new position as CFO.
Keep our heads This is commonly used during difficult financial times, when a Unfortunately, we need to fire 25 employees to
above water business is trying to survive. keep our heads above water.

To talk about something that has a very low probability of I know this is a long shot, but have you talked
Long shot
happening. to Katia about this? Maybe she can help.

You can use this idiom to talk about something that is not expected
Not going to fly I don’t think the new product is going to fly.
to work out.

I want to talk to you later today to make sure

This idiom is common in everyday situations, not only when people
On the same page we are on the same page. Are you available at
are doing business. It means to be in agreement about something.
2?

How busy are you today? I would love to pick

Pick someone’s This means to ask someone who knows a lot about a specific topic
your brains about this issue we are having
brains for their opinion.
with Facebook Ads.

This expression means to decide how to deal with a situation as it You know what? Let’s play it by ear. I’m sure it
Play it by ear
develops, instead of following plans that were made earlier. will all work out at the end.

It’s not very smart to invest all the money in

Put all one’s eggs in We use this when someone decides to rely on one thing to bring
this product. We should never put all our eggs
one basket success.
in one basket.

Put the cart before When someone is doing something in the wrong order, it is Trying to find an investor without a business
the horse common to hear this idiom. plan is like putting the cart before the horse.

You can use this idiom when talking about setting expectations He definitely raised the bar for other directors.
Raise the bar
higher. We should take a look at what he has done.

This one is used to talk about official rules and processes that seem We must cut through the red tape if we want
Red tape
unnecessary and delay results. this to get done.

Based on these results, it’s a safe bet to say

Safe bet People use this to talk about something that is certain to happen.
this launch will be a success.
 You can say this to someone else when both of you find yourselves in We are all in the same boat here, Lisa. You can
Same boat
the same difficult situation. count on us!

Julia and her boss see eye to eye on most

See eye to eye An expression to say that two people agree with each other.
things.

The elephant in the This one refers to an obvious problem or controversial issue that Nobody wants to bring up the elephant in the
room nobody wants to discuss. room about Jim’s resignation.

Think outside the This is a very common expression. It means to come up with creative Come on, guys! I really need you to think
box and unconventional solutions to a problem. outside the box here.

You can use this to say that you want to talk to someone for a short Hey Tim, I would love to touch base with you
Touch base (with
time to see how they are doing or to find out what they think about a after the meeting. Let me know if that works
someone)
subject. Similar to ‘check in’. for you, ok?

The deal was up in the air when I last spoke to

Up in the air To talk about something that is undecided or uncertain.
her about it.