COMMON EXPRESSIONS IN BUSINESS

Phrases Meaning
Go back to square one Have to start again from the beginning
Bring something to the table Contribute to a conversation or situation in a useful way
Cut your losses Stop a process that is unsuccessful
Keep/Get someone on their toes Make sure someone is ready to do sth unexpected or with very little
warning
Hit the nail on the head Be correct about (often the cause of) a situation or problem
Keep the ball rolling Get a process going
Start off on the right foot Begin a relationship in a positive way
Think outside the box Approach a problem or situation in a way that hasn’t been done before.

1. When you meet someone new, what is a good way to start off on the right foot?
2. Have you ever worked on a project and then had to cut your losses and change it a lot?
3. Does your company keep/get someone on their toes? Or is it easy to predict what you will be working
on? Why?
4. In your team or department, what knowledge and experience do you bring something to the table?
5. Do you often have to think outside the box in your work? Why/why not?
6. When you start a new task or a new project, how do you normally get the ball rolling?