%20(1).png)
11 Business English Idioms to Boost Your Workplace Communication
- Erin West
- Jul 30
- 4 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Business English idioms help you sound more natural, confident, and professional at work. These common workplace expressions make it easier to explain your ideas clearly, connect with colleagues, and show strong communication skills in meetings and emails. In this article, you'll learn common Business English idioms that people use every day in the office. Add them to your vocabulary to improve your English and make a great impression at work!
What are Business English idioms?
Business English idioms are common expressions that make your language sound more natural and professional in work settings. They can enhance your communication skills and help you connect better with your colleagues.
Why should I use idioms at work?
Using idioms at work helps you communicate clearly, build relationships, and sound more like a native speaker. They add flair to your conversations and can make your points more memorable. When you use idioms, you show that you understand the nuances of the language, which can impress your coworkers and superiors.
Click any idiom below to see more examples, learn how to use it naturally, and practice.
Idiom 11: A Long Shot
What does "a long shot" mean?
a plan or attempt that is unlikely to succeed but is still worth trying
I know it’s a long shot, but I’m going to apply for that senior position anyway.
We emailed the CEO directly — it was a long shot, but can you believe it? He actually replied!
Winning the contract is a long shot, especially with all that competition.
Idiom 10: Think On Your Feet
What does "think on your feet" mean?
to make decisions quickly, especially in a difficult situation
During the presentation, she had to think on her feet when someone asked a tough question.
Good managers know how to think on their feet when problems come up.
I wasn't prepared for the interview questions, so I had to think on my feet.
Idiom 9: The Last Straw
What does "the last straw" mean?
the final problem that makes someone lose patience or decide to stop accepting a situation
When my boss canceled my vacation at the last minute, it was the last straw for me.
The constant late payments were frustrating, but missing this month’s rent was the last straw.
After so many delays, the client’s angry email was the last straw that pushed us to find a new supplier.
ADVERTISEMENT
Idiom 8: Hit A Snag
What does "hit a snag" mean?
to have a small problem that stops or slows progress
We hit a snag with the client contract, so we need more time to review it.
The team hit a snag when the budget was suddenly cut.
Our plan to launch the new product hit a snag because of shipping delays.
Idiom 7: Play It By Ear
What does "play it by ear" mean?
to decide what to do as things happen, instead of making a plan first
Let’s not book a restaurant now. We’ll just play it by ear when we get there.
I’m not sure how long the meeting will take — I’ll play it by ear.
We don’t have a strict schedule for the weekend. We’ll play it by ear and see what we feel like doing.
Idiom 6: Out Of The Blue
What does "out of the blue" mean?
happening suddenly and unexpectedly
He called me out of the blue after two years of no contact.
The job offer came out of the blue, and I wasn’t even looking for a new job.
She quit her job out of the blue. No one saw it coming.
Idiom 5: Keep Someone In The Loop
What does "keep someone in the loop" mean?
to tell someone the new information so they know what is happening
Please keep me in the loop about the plans.
She always keeps her team in the loop on new projects.
Don’t worry, I’ll keep you in the loop.
ADVERTISEMENT
Idiom 4: Touch Base
What does "touch base" mean?
to talk to someone quickly to share updates
Let’s touch base later this week to discuss our progress.
I’ll touch base with the team to see how they’re doing.
Can we touch base tomorrow to finalize the details?
Idiom 3: Out Of Reach
What does "out of reach" mean?
too far away; impossible to get
A promotion felt out of reach when I first joined the company.
The new phone is too expensive — it’s out of reach for most people.
For many young families, buying a house in the city is out of reach.
Idiom 2: Think Outside The Box
What does "think outside the box" mean?
to come up with new and creative ideas that are not limited by traditional ways of thinking
We need to think outside the box if we want our campaign to stand out.
She always thinks outside the box — her solutions are never boring.
Let’s try to think outside the box and find a cheaper way to get this done.
ADVERTISEMENT
Idiom 1: Hit A Nerve
What does "hit a nerve" mean?
to say or do something that upsets someone because it feels personal or true
When he asked about her past job, it really hit a nerve.
That comment about money seemed to hit a nerve with him.
I must’ve hit a nerve — she got defensive really fast.
Incorporating these idioms into your daily conversations can significantly improve your communication skills. They not only help you express ideas more vividly but also make you sound more fluent. Remember, practice makes perfect!
Want to practice these idioms? Download the worksheet:
Comments