Idioms about WORK & BUSINESS

Idioms about WORK & BUSINESS

Conversations about WORK & BUSINESS

Is there a time of the day or week when you are the most tied up (very busy) with work and life responsibilities? What do
you do to get untied (not busy)?
Which do you think is more useful to embark on a career (start a career): getting hands-on experience (get knowledge
and skill from doing the job) or studying at a university?
What if you and your family had the opportunity to travel anywhere, but can go just for two days? Where would you go?
What would be a win-win in this situation (positive outcome) for you and your family?
Bosses will sometimes tell their employees to think outside the box (think in an original way) to solve a problem, and not
much else. Do you like to have a lot of freedom to find your own solution, or do you prefer to have clear expectations
and guidance?
If you could embark on a career (start a career) that’s totally different from what you st now, what career would you
choose? Is it difficult to get your foot in the door (start the job) in this career usually?
Which do you think is better? Climbing the career ladder (taking on more responsibility and more pay) or having a work-
life balance?
Can you describe your perfect day in a nutshell (in a few words)?
Do you think it is good to go the extra mile (do more than is expected) in your work? Why or why not?
Money Idioms
 Money Idioms

Conversations about money

When you eat with friends, do you ever want to go Dutch (each pay for your cost of the meal)? Do you think “going
Dutch” is a good or bad idea generally?
How many weeks/months of salary should someone save for a rainy day (an unexpected expense)? Do you think it’s
different for different ages of people?
What common item do you think is dirt cheap (extremely cheap) for the value?
In America, people shop on “Black Friday” for items at rock-bottom prices (very low prices). Are there any similar special
sales in your area?
In America, parents usually tell children “money doesn’t grow on trees!” (there’s a limited amount of money). What do
you think parents should tell children about money?
What do your friends and you and think of people who like to throw money around (show off by spending money)? Is it
considered a positive or negative characteristic?
What jobs do you think are easy money (money earned for doing very little work)?
Have you ever tried something new to make money, but ended up out of pocket (with less money than you started with)?
What common item do you think is a rip-off (far more expensive than it should be)?
If someone is having a hard time making ends meet (paying for basic needs), what would you suggest to them?
Is there something you want to build up a nest-egg for (save money for a specific purpose)? Perhaps a goal, or a dream
item?
idioms about shopping (and money)
 idioms about shopping (and money)

conversations about shopping (and money)

Are there any places you liked as a child that have now closed up shop (e.g., restaurants, etc.)?
In some South American countries, businesses close up shop for three hours in the afternoon so everyone can have a siesta (rest). Do
you think it’s a good idea for businesses to do that in your area?
What’s an item you thought cost a fortune (was very expensive) as a child, but now you think it’s inexpensive?
If you were going to a fancy event, would you prefer to buy an outfit off-the-shelf or find something one-of-a-kind (unique, original)?
What’s something you got for a steal (a bargain price) and are really happy about?
Some people prefer window shopping (looking at items in store windows) and others prefer to browse online. Which do you prefer?
A common childhood dream is to go on a shopping spree (buy a lot of things) at a particular place, like a candy store or a toy store.
As an adult, if you had to choose somewhere to go on a shopping spree, where would you go?
If you could take your mother (or another close relative) on a shopping spree, where would you go?
Do you like to shop around (compare prices at various stores) when you buy big items like furniture? What about small items like bread
and milk?
What do you think is highway robbery (far more expensive than it should be) these days? In America people complain about the high
cost of real estate.
What do you think of retail therapy as a way of getting rid of stress? Is it better to sometimes splurge (spend money extravagantly) or
just window shop (look at items and not buy them)?
idioms about working & relaxing
 idioms about shopping (and money)

conversations about working & relaxing

When was the last time you burned the candle at both ends (were working very hard all day every day)? What were you doing at that
time?
Mothers often say that they have their hands full (are very busy). What other jobs or roles do you think are similarly busy?
What would you recommend to a friend who says that they are snowed under (overwhelmed) with things to do?
What are some occasions where it’s important to pull out all the stops (do everything possible to succeed)?
What’s the best way to relax and do nothing? Is it better to take a cat nap, or put your feet up and read a good book? Or something
else?
idioms about happiness & excitement
 conversations about happiness & excitement

People can feel like they’re on cloud nine (delighted, extremely happy) when they’re in love, or just when something very good
happens. Do you have a favorite movie or song that expresses this feeling?
What would make you feel on top of the world or over the moon (very happy or pleased) right now? (E.g., winning the lottery, a new
job, seeing an old friend)
We say “it’s music to my ears” (good news) when we hear something positive. We also use it when we hear something that sounds
pretty—Americans say Italian language is like music. Is there a language that “sounds like music to your hears” when you hear it?
What was the last book you read, or movie you watched, that had you at the edge of your seat (with nervous excitement)?
When children are bouncing off the walls (too excited and full of energy), what do you recommend parents do?
When was the last time you felt butterflies in your stomach (you were nervous and excited at the same time)?