Common Business Idioms Frequently Used in the Workplace

There are many idioms used in the business world. If you don’t understand these expressions, it’s easy to get lost in a conversation. Below is a table of the most common business idioms in English.

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Business Idioms Used in the Workplace

Call it a day

To quit work and go home; to say that a day’s work has been completed.E.g. “I’m tired. Let’s call it a day.”

“The boss was mad because Bill called it a day at noon.”

Grey area (UK) / Gray area (US)

This means something that is not clearly defined and needs careful judgement.

E.g. “It exists in a grey area between legal and illegal.”

“It’s a grey area isn’t it?” (Meaning the speaker is talking about an unsure concept).

Back to the Drawing Board

This means that a previously established plan isn’t working and that it is time to re-plan.

E.g. “My job interview went horribly! I have to go back to the drawing board.”

Big picture

Means the overall perspective or objective, not the fine detail.

E.g. “Although we all have all specific tasks to do, our leader makes sure we don’t lose sight of the big picture.”

On the same page

In broad agreement, or sharing a common general understanding or knowledge

E.g. “I want to make sure we’re all on the same page with this new project.”

10 Business Idioms Commonly Used in the Workplace

Read between the lines

To infer a meaning that is not stated explicitly

e.g. “If you read between the lines a little, you will realize that he has deeper motives”

See someone’s point

Means that you understand their reason for having a certain opinion, or for feeling a certain way.

E.g. “Yes, I see your point. Let me double-check that and get back with you.”

Hit the nail on the head

To identify something exactly; to arrive at exactly the right answer.

E.g. “He hit the nail on the head when he said the problem was the thermostat”

Get the ball rolling

To begin; to start some action; to set in motion.

E.g. We really need to get the ball rolling on this project. The deadline is in October, and it’s already September.

Thumbs Up

Shows that someone or something is good, especially when it comes to performance or action with good results.

E.g. “That’s good. You deserve a big thumbs up for such a great presentation!”

List of Common Business Idioms

Here is a list of some common business idioms in English:

To bring home the bacon: To earn a living or salary
To have the ball in your court: To have control of a situation or decision
To have a finger in every pie: To be involved in many different activities or ventures
To have an ace up your sleeve: To have a hidden advantage or something that can be used to gain an advantage
To have your ducks in a row: To have everything organized and under control
To hit the ground running: To start working or performing well immediately
To make a killing: To make a lot of money, usually in a short amount of time
To play your cards right: To make good decisions or take the right actions
To pull the plug: To end a project or business venture
To roll up your sleeves: To get ready to work hard
To sail through: To easily pass a test or complete a task
To talk shop: To discuss work-related matters
To think outside the box: To come up with new and innovative ideas
To toe the line: To obey or follow the rules or policies
To be in the same boat: To share a common problem or experience
To be in the driver’s seat: To be in control of a situation
To be on the same page: To have the same understanding or point of view
To be in the hot seat: To be under pressure or scrutiny
To be in the black: To have a profit or positive financial status
To be in the red: To have a loss or negative financial status

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