50 Business English Idioms You Should Know

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Business English idioms are expressions whose meanings are not obvious from the individual words. From “ballpark figure” to “low-hanging fruit,” these phrases show up in meetings, emails, and negotiations, and they can confuse non-native speakers who translate them literally.

Below are 50 common business idioms with a plain-English meaning, a quick example, and a translation note. Use it as a reference when you write, translate, or just want to follow what people mean in a meeting.

Why business idioms matter

Idioms are a kind of shorthand. When you catch them, you sound fluent. When you miss them, you can miss the intent or the tone. That matters most in cross-border work where a literal translation can send the wrong signal.

Cambridge notes that learners struggle with idioms because literal translation does not work. Learning them in context is usually the fastest way to make them stick.

How to use this list

Each entry includes meaning, example sentence, and translation guidance.
Context matters; some idioms are casual, others fit formal settings.
When translating, prioritize the concept over literal words.
Check the Formality line to decide when an idiom fits.

Tip: If you are translating an email with idioms, paste a sentence into OpenL and see whether the meaning comes through.

50 business English idioms you should know

Meetings and discussions

1. Get the ball rolling

Meaning: Start a project or activity.
Example: “Let’s get the ball rolling on the new marketing campaign.”
Email version: “I’d like to get the ball rolling on this project; can we schedule a kickoff call?”
Formality: Neutral - suitable for most business contexts.
Translation tip: Use action verbs like “launch” or “begin” to capture momentum.

2. On the same page

Meaning: In agreement or sharing understanding.
Example: “Before we proceed, let’s make sure everyone’s on the same page.”
Email version: “I want to make sure we’re on the same page before the client call.”
Formality: Neutral - widely used in meetings and emails.
Translation tip: Focus on alignment or mutual understanding.

3. Touch base

Meaning: Briefly connect or follow up.
Example: “I’ll touch base with you after the client meeting.”
Email version: “Let’s touch base next week to discuss progress.”
Formality: Casual - common in US business English.
Translation tip: Use “check in” or “follow up” equivalents.

4. Circle back

Meaning: Return to a topic later.
Example: “Let’s circle back to the budget discussion tomorrow.”
Email version: “I’ll circle back on this once I have more information.”
Formality: Casual - often considered corporate jargon; use sparingly.
Translation tip: Emphasize returning or revisiting.

5. Take it offline

Meaning: Discuss something privately outside the current meeting.
Example: “This is getting complex; let’s take it offline.”
Email version: “Let’s take this offline and schedule a separate call.”
Formality: Casual - meeting-specific; rarely used in written communication.
Translation tip: Use “discuss separately” or “talk privately.”

6. Table it

Meaning: Delay a decision until later.
Example: “We’re running out of time. Let’s table this for next week.”
Email version: “I suggest we table this discussion until after the audit.”
Formality: Neutral - but note regional differences.
Region: US means “postpone”; UK means “put on the agenda.” Clarify if needed.
Translation tip: Check regional context before translating.

7. Drill down

Meaning: Examine something in detail.
Example: “We need to drill down into the sales data.”
Email version: “Let’s drill down into these numbers during our next review.”
Formality: Neutral - common in analytical and technical discussions.
Translation tip: Use “analyze deeply” or “explore in detail.”

8. Run it up the flagpole

Meaning: Test an idea with others before committing.
Example: “Let me run this concept up the flagpole with leadership.”
Email version: “I’ll run this up the flagpole with the executive team.”
Formality: Casual - can sound dated; consider “get feedback” in formal writing.
Translation tip: Use “test the idea” or “get feedback.”

Money and finance

Money talk has its own mini-dictionary. If you work with international clients, these two guides are also useful: translating contracts and invoices.

9. Ballpark figure

Meaning: A rough estimate.
Example: “Can you give me a ballpark figure for the project cost?”
Email version: “Could you provide a ballpark figure so we can begin budgeting?”
Formality: Neutral - widely accepted in business communication.
Translation tip: Use “approximate number” or “rough estimate.”

10. Bottom line

Meaning: The final result or most important point.
Example: “The bottom line is we need to cut costs by 20%.”
Email version: “The bottom line: we need to finalize the contract by Friday.”
Formality: Neutral - very common in business English.
Translation tip: Use “conclusion” or “final outcome.”

11. In the red / In the black

Meaning: Losing money / Making profit.
Example: “We’ve been in the red for two quarters, but Q3 put us back in the black.”
Email version: “We need to get back in the black by end of Q4.”
Formality: Neutral - standard financial terminology.
Translation tip: Explain the accounting color code or use “loss/profit.”

12. Cut corners

Meaning: Do something cheaply or quickly, often sacrificing quality. (Cambridge Dictionary)
Example: “We can’t cut corners on safety compliance.”
Email version: “Please ensure the team doesn’t cut corners on quality assurance.”
Formality: Neutral - widely understood.
Translation tip: Emphasize the trade-off between speed and quality.

13. Burn rate

Meaning: How fast a company spends money.
Example: “At our current burn rate, we have 8 months of runway.”
Email version: “With our current burn rate, we should review the budget next week.”
Formality: Neutral - common in startup and finance contexts.
Translation tip: Use “spending rate” with startup context.

14. Bang for the buck

Meaning: Value for money spent.
Example: “This software gives us the best bang for the buck.”
Email version: “This solution offers the best bang for the buck compared to alternatives.”
Formality: Casual - more common in speech than formal writing.
Translation tip: Use “value for money” or “cost-effectiveness.”

15. Skin in the game

Meaning: Personal investment or stake in an outcome.
Example: “Investors want founders to have skin in the game.”
Email version: “We prefer partners who have skin in the game.”
Formality: Neutral - increasingly common in business discussions.
Translation tip: Use “personal stake” or “committed interest.”

16. Low-hanging fruit

Meaning: Easy wins or quick opportunities. (Merriam-Webster)
Example: “Let’s focus on the low-hanging fruit first.”
Email version: “I suggest we tackle the low-hanging fruit before moving to complex issues.”
Formality: Neutral - very common but sometimes considered cliché.
Translation tip: Use “easy targets” or “quick wins.”

Teamwork and collaboration

17. Pull your weight

Meaning: Do your fair share of work.
Example: “Everyone needs to pull their weight on this project.”
Email version: “I’d like everyone to pull their weight to meet the deadline.”
Formality: Neutral - direct but acceptable in team communication.
Translation tip: Use “contribute equally” or “do your part.”

18. All hands on deck

Meaning: Everyone needs to help.
Example: “It’s crunch time-all hands on deck!”
Email version: “This is an all hands on deck situation; please prioritize this task.”
Formality: Casual - best for internal team communication.
Translation tip: Use “everyone pitch in” or “full team effort.”

19. Think outside the box

Meaning: Think creatively or unconventionally.
Example: “We need to think outside the box to solve this problem.”
Email version: “Let’s think outside the box and explore unconventional solutions.”
Formality: Neutral - but often considered cliché; use sparingly.
Translation tip: Use “creative thinking” or “innovative approach.”

20. Get your ducks in a row

Meaning: Get organized.
Example: “Get your ducks in a row before the presentation.”
Email version: “Please get your ducks in a row before the client meeting.”
Formality: Casual - more common in US English.
Translation tip: Use “prepare properly” or “organize.”

21. Wear many hats

Meaning: Have multiple roles or responsibilities.
Example: “At a startup, everyone wears many hats.”
Email version: “In this role, you’ll wear many hats across marketing and sales.”
Formality: Neutral - widely used in job descriptions.
Translation tip: Use “multiple roles” or “versatile.”

22. Move the needle

Meaning: Make a noticeable impact.
Example: “Will this campaign actually move the needle on sales?”
Email version: “We need initiatives that will move the needle on customer retention.”
Formality: Neutral - common in strategy discussions.
Translation tip: Use “make a difference” or “create impact.”

23. Bring to the table

Meaning: Contribute value or skills.
Example: “What unique skills do you bring to the table?”
Email version: “We’re looking for candidates who bring strong analytical skills to the table.”
Formality: Neutral - very common in interviews and proposals.
Translation tip: Use “offer” or “contribute.”

24. In the loop / Out of the loop

Meaning: Informed / Not informed. (Cambridge Dictionary)
Example: “Keep me in the loop on the project updates.”
Email version: “Please keep me in the loop on any changes to the timeline.”
Formality: Neutral - very common in business emails.
Translation tip: Use “keep informed” or “include in updates.”

Deadlines and workload

25. Down to the wire

Meaning: Until the very last moment.
Example: “The negotiation went down to the wire.”
Email version: “This project went down to the wire, but we delivered on time.”
Formality: Neutral - common in project updates.
Translation tip: Use “until the last minute” or “very close deadline.”

26. Crunch time

Meaning: A critical period requiring intense effort.
Example: “It’s crunch time before the product launch.”
Email version: “We’re entering crunch time; please clear your schedules.”
Formality: Casual - common in tech and creative industries.
Translation tip: Use “critical period” or “intensive phase.”

27. Hit the ground running

Meaning: Start quickly and effectively. (Merriam-Webster)
Example: “We need someone who can hit the ground running.”
Email version: “We’re looking for a candidate who can hit the ground running.”
Formality: Neutral - very common in job postings.
Translation tip: Use “start immediately” or “begin productively.”

28. Burning the midnight oil

Meaning: Working late into the night.
Example: “The team has been burning the midnight oil to meet the deadline.”
Email version: “Thanks to the team for burning the midnight oil this week.”
Formality: Neutral - acceptable in appreciation messages.
Translation tip: Use “working overtime” or “late nights.”

29. On the back burner

Meaning: Low priority; delayed.
Example: “We’ll put that feature on the back burner for now.”
Email version: “Let’s put this initiative on the back burner until Q3.”
Formality: Neutral - widely understood.
Translation tip: Use “postponed” or “low priority.”

30. Up against the clock

Meaning: Racing to meet a deadline.
Example: “We’re up against the clock to finish this report.”
Email version: “We’re up against the clock; please submit your sections by 5 PM.”
Formality: Neutral - conveys urgency clearly.
Translation tip: Use “time pressure” or “deadline stress.”

31. Juggling priorities

Meaning: Managing multiple tasks simultaneously.
Example: “I’m juggling priorities between three projects.”
Email version: “I’m currently juggling priorities but will respond by EOD.”
Formality: Neutral - common in status updates.
Translation tip: Use “managing multiple tasks” or “balancing work.”

32. Bandwidth

Meaning: Capacity to take on more work.
Example: “I don’t have the bandwidth to take on another project.”
Email version: “I don’t have the bandwidth right now, but let’s revisit next month.”
Formality: Casual - tech industry jargon; may confuse some audiences.
Translation tip: Use “capacity” or “availability.”

Try this: Copy this sentence into OpenL: “Let’s circle back after we get buy-in from the team.” Check whether it translates the meaning, not the literal words.

Negotiations and deals

Negotiations can get messy fast. Idioms can help or hurt depending on who is in the room. For translation tips, see translation for eCommerce.

33. The ball is in your court

Meaning: It’s your turn to take action.
Example: “We’ve made our offer. The ball is in your court.”
Email version: “We’ve submitted our proposal-the ball is in your court.”
Formality: Neutral - widely understood.
Translation tip: Use “your decision” or “your turn.”

34. Play hardball

Meaning: Negotiate aggressively.
Example: “They’re playing hardball on the contract terms.”
Email version: “The vendor is playing hardball on pricing.”
Formality: Casual - internal communication only.
Translation tip: Use “tough negotiation” or “aggressive stance.”

35. Win-win situation

Meaning: Both parties benefit. (Cambridge Dictionary)
Example: “This partnership is a win-win situation for everyone.”
Email version: “This proposal creates a win-win situation for both teams.”
Formality: Neutral - very common and professional.
Translation tip: Use “mutually beneficial” or “both sides gain.”

36. Sweeten the deal

Meaning: Add incentives to make an offer more attractive.
Example: “We can sweeten the deal with free support for a year.”
Email version: “To sweeten the deal, we’re including three months of free training.”
Formality: Neutral - acceptable in proposals.
Translation tip: Use “improve the offer” or “add incentives.”

37. Seal the deal

Meaning: Finalize an agreement.
Example: “The CEO flew in to seal the deal personally.”
Email version: “Let’s schedule a call to seal the deal this week.”
Formality: Neutral - common in sales contexts.
Translation tip: Use “close the agreement” or “finalize.”

38. Back to square one

Meaning: Start over from the beginning. (Merriam-Webster)
Example: “The deal fell through. We’re back to square one.”
Email version: “Unfortunately, we’re back to square one on this project.”
Formality: Neutral - expresses disappointment professionally.
Translation tip: Use “start again” or “return to beginning.”

39. Put all your eggs in one basket

Meaning: Risk everything on one option.
Example: “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket with a single client.”
Email version: “I’d advise against putting all our eggs in one basket here.”
Formality: Neutral - good for risk discussions.
Translation tip: Use “concentrate all resources” or “single risk.”

40. Get buy-in

Meaning: Gain agreement and support.
Example: “We need to get buy-in from the executives first.”
Email version: “Before we proceed, we need to get buy-in from stakeholders.”
Formality: Neutral - very common in corporate settings.
Translation tip: Use “gain approval” or “secure agreement.”

Success and failure

41. Knock it out of the park

Meaning: Succeed exceptionally well.
Example: “The sales team knocked it out of the park this quarter.”
Email version: “The team knocked it out of the park-congratulations!”
Formality: Casual - best for internal celebrations.
Translation tip: Use “exceeded expectations” or “great success.”

42. Back to the drawing board

Meaning: Start planning again after failure. (Cambridge Dictionary)
Example: “The prototype failed testing. Back to the drawing board.”
Email version: “The client rejected our proposal, so it’s back to the drawing board.”
Formality: Neutral - commonly used in project updates.
Translation tip: Use “redesign” or “start planning again.”

43. Go belly up

Meaning: Fail completely (often for businesses).
Example: “Many startups go belly up in the first year.”
Email version: “Several competitors went belly up during the recession.”
Formality: Casual - more common in speech than formal writing.
Translation tip: Use “fail” or “go bankrupt.”

44. Ahead of the pack

Meaning: More successful than competitors.
Example: “Our innovation keeps us ahead of the pack.”
Email version: “This strategy will keep us ahead of the pack in 2026.”
Formality: Neutral - good for strategy discussions.
Translation tip: Use “leading” or “outperforming competitors.”

45. Raise the bar

Meaning: Set higher standards.
Example: “This product raises the bar for the industry.”
Email version: “Our goal is to raise the bar for customer service.”
Formality: Neutral - widely used and professional.
Translation tip: Use “set higher standards” or “improve benchmarks.”

46. Hit a home run

Meaning: Achieve great success.
Example: “The marketing campaign hit a home run.”
Email version: “The product launch hit a home run-sales exceeded projections.”
Formality: Casual - US-centric; may confuse non-American audiences.
Translation tip: Use “major success” or “big win.”

47. Go the extra mile

Meaning: Do more than expected. (Merriam-Webster)
Example: “She always goes the extra mile for clients.”
Email version: “Thank you for going the extra mile on this project.”
Formality: Neutral - excellent for appreciation messages.
Translation tip: Use “exceed expectations” or “extra effort.”

48. Corner the market

Meaning: Dominate a market segment.
Example: “They’ve cornered the market on sustainable packaging.”
Email version: “Our goal is to corner the market in AI translation.”
Formality: Neutral - common in business strategy.
Translation tip: Use “dominate” or “control the market.”

49. Have an ace up your sleeve

Meaning: Have a secret advantage.
Example: “Don’t worry, we have an ace up our sleeve for the pitch.”
Email version: “We have an ace up our sleeve that will differentiate our proposal.”
Formality: Casual - more common in speech.
Translation tip: Use “hidden advantage” or “secret weapon.”

50. The whole nine yards

Meaning: Everything; the full extent.
Example: “We’re offering the whole nine yards: design, development, and support.”
Email version: “Our package includes the whole nine yards-training, support, and updates.”
Formality: Casual - US expression; may need explanation for international audiences.
Translation tip: Use “complete package” or “everything included.”

Key takeaways

Idioms are everywhere in English business settings. Learning a handful goes a long way.
Context matters. Check the formality line before using an idiom in email or a formal doc.
Do not translate literally. Translate the meaning.
Watch regional differences. “Table it” flips meaning between the US and UK.
Tools like OpenL can help spot idioms and keep the meaning intact.

Common mistakes to avoid

When using business idioms in international settings, watch out for these pitfalls:

Overusing idioms: Too many idioms can confuse non-native speakers on your team. Mix idioms with plain language.
Translating literally: “Ballpark figure” does not involve a ball or a park. Translate the meaning, not the words.
Ignoring regional differences: “Table it” means opposite things in the US and UK. When in doubt, use a plain alternative like “postpone” or “discuss now.”
Using dated expressions: Some idioms (“run it up the flagpole,” “think outside the box”) sound tired. Use direct language when possible.
Assuming universal understanding: Not everyone knows baseball or American football references. Consider your audience’s cultural background.

Tips for learning business idioms

Learn in context: Do not memorize in isolation. Read business publications like Harvard Business Review or The Economist, watch presentations, and listen to podcasts.
Practice with native speakers: Use idioms in real conversations to build confidence.
Know your audience: Some idioms are casual. Avoid them in formal writing unless they fit. See British vs American English for regional differences.
Focus on meaning, not translation: When translating, convey the concept rather than literal words. See common translation mistakes.
Use translation tools as a check: Tools like OpenL can help you spot idioms and avoid embarrassing literal translations.

Translate business content with OpenL

Business documents full of idioms need meaning-based translation, not word-for-word conversion. OpenL is built for that kind of work, especially when you need quick, readable output.

Why choose OpenL for business translation

Handles idioms well: OpenL keeps the intended meaning.
100+ languages supported: Covers major business languages plus regional variants.
Multiple formats: Translate PDFs, Word documents, and PowerPoint presentations while keeping formatting.
Solid for business docs: Useful for contracts, emails, reports, and marketing materials.
Fast and secure: Designed for quick turnaround with data protection in mind.

If you are localizing marketing materials, translating contracts, or preparing multilingual presentations, OpenL can help.

FAQ

What are business English idioms?

Business English idioms are expressions commonly used in professional settings whose meanings differ from the literal interpretation of their words. For example, “ballpark figure” means a rough estimate; it has nothing to do with sports. According to Merriam-Webster, idioms are expressions that cannot be understood from the meanings of their separate words.

Should I use idioms in formal business emails?

It depends on the idiom and your audience. Neutral idioms like “bottom line” or “on the same page” are generally acceptable. Casual ones like “circle back” or “run it up the flagpole” may seem unprofessional in very formal contexts. When writing to non-native speakers, consider using plain language alternatives.

Why are idioms hard to translate?

Idioms don’t translate word-for-word because their meaning is cultural, not literal. “Low-hanging fruit” translated directly into Chinese or Spanish makes no sense. Effective translation requires understanding the concept and finding an equivalent expression or explanation in the target language.

Are business idioms different in US vs UK English?

Yes. Some idioms mean different things. “Table it” in the US means to postpone; in the UK, it means to discuss now. “Touch base” is more common in American English. When communicating internationally, clarify or use universal alternatives.

How can I translate idioms accurately?

Use a translation tool that handles idioms, then review the output for tone. Tools like OpenL can catch idioms and translate the meaning rather than the literal words.

Looking for more translation tips? Explore our complete guide to translation quality assurance or learn 10 tips to get better translation results.