10 Common Business English Idioms – With Easy Explanations, Listening, and Quizzes

Welcome to our new lesson on Business English Idioms!

Want to sound more natural at work? These 10 business idioms are common in everyday English. Learn what they mean, hear how they’re used, and test yourself with fun quizzes!

Part 1. Check out these common Business English idioms and their meanings!

BACK TO SQUARE ONE

to start again from the beginning because the first plan didn’t work

The client didn’t like our idea, so we’re back to square one.

After the software crashed, the team had to go back to square one.

If this plan fails, we’ll be back to square one again.

GO THROUGH THE ROOF

to rise quickly and a lot (usually prices, emotions, or numbers)

Their sales went through the roof after the ad campaign.

My stress levels went through the roof last week.

Housing prices have gone through the roof lately.

IN THE LOOP

informed and updated about what’s going on

Keep me in the loop about any changes, please.

I wasn’t in the loop, so I missed the meeting.

She always makes sure her team is in the loop.

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THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX

to think in a creative way

We need to think outside the box to solve this problem.

His idea was great. He really thought outside the box.

Try to think outside the box when planning the event.

TOUCH BASE

to talk to someone quickly to check in or give an update

Let’s touch base tomorrow about the report.

I just wanted to touch base and see how things are going.

We touched base after the meeting to go over next steps.

RAISE THE BAR

to set a higher standard or level

This new product raises the bar.

She raised the bar for everyone on the team.

We want to raise the bar with better customer service.

GET THE BALL ROLLING

to start something

Let’s get the ball rolling!

We’ve got a tight timeline, so let’s get the ball rolling as soon as everyone’s here.

Once we get the ball rolling, we’ll have a better idea of the challenges ahead.

IN HOT WATER

in trouble

He’s in hot water for missing the deadline.

I’ll be in hot water if I don’t finish this on time.

She got in hot water for sharing private data.

HIT THE GROUND RUNNING

to start a task or job with energy and be ready to work right away

She hit the ground running on her first day.

We need someone who can hit the ground running.

They hit the ground running after the break.

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CUT CORNERS

to do something quickly and poorly to save time or money

Don’t cut corners on safety.

They cut corners, and now the product has problems.

If we cut corners, we might miss something important.

Part 2. Practice the Business English Idioms from Part 1. Follow the steps below.

Step 1. Find the second part of each idiom, then match it to the correct definition.

Step 2. Click the correct answer to complete each sentence.

1.

He’s in _____ after that email went out to the client by mistake.

A) hot water

B) the loop

2.

Look, I get it — we're on a tight budget, but we can’t afford to _____ on quality.

A) touch base B) cut corners

3.

Well, they didn’t like the proposal, so we’re basically _____.

A) raising the bar B) back to square one

4.

Let’s try to ____ here. Our usual approach clearly isn’t helping.

A) think outside the box B) go through the roof

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5.

She starts Monday, but from what I’ve heard, she’s the type to _____.

A) touch base B) hit the ground running

6.

Let’s _____ with a quick brainstorm before the client joins the call.

A) cut corners B) get the ball rolling

7.

Hey, just keep me in _____ if anything changes, alright?

A) the loop B) hot water

8.

Since the promo went live, traffic’s _____.

A) gone through the roof B) been back to square one

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9.

Let’s _____ tomorrow morning to talk about what’s next.

A) think outside the box B) touch base

10.

That team did a great job and really _____ for the rest of us.

A) raised the bar B) went through the roof

Step 3. Listen to the dialogue between Rachel (Team Lead) and Kevin (Project Manager). What idioms do you hear? Then answer the questions below.

Comprehension Questions:

Step 4. Please drop us a comment! Choose one or more questions and share your answer below.

1. Have you ever gone back to square one? What were you working on?

2. Do you like to be in the loop at work?

3. When did you last have to think outside the box?

4. Have you ever been in hot water at work?

5. Do you usually hit the ground running on your first day?

6. Has your stress ever gone through the roof?

7. Who do you touch base with during the day?

8. Has someone on your team raised the bar recently?

9. What helps you get the ball rolling?

10. Have you ever seen someone cut corners?