Business English Vocabulary: Get Some Pushback

Erin West
May 12
2 min read

Updated: May 19

Business English vocabulary resources for ESL professionals. A well-dressed man in a grey suit holds up his hand as if saying “stop.” Overlaid text reads “GET SOME PUSHBACK” in bold red, with the example sentence: “When I proposed the new dress code, I got some pushback from my colleagues.” — Business English Vocabulary: Get Some Pushback by REAL Business English

Learn Business English vocabulary with our Phrase of the Week: Get Some Pushback!

This week’s phrase is about how people respond when they disagree with your idea, plan, or request.

What Would You Do in This Situation?

Picture this:

You suggest a new work schedule. You explain that it will save time and help everyone finish earlier. But you get some pushback when a few people say it sounds too busy and might not work. You feel a bit worried, but you listen to their concerns.

So, what does get some pushback mean?

This Week’s Phrase:

GET SOME PUSHBACK

phrase

to receive criticism or resistance when you propose something

Business English Vocabulary: Get Some Pushback

Listen to a Real-Life Example

Four-panel graphic showing a man and a woman in an office lounge discussing meeting length: Panel 1 – the man says he suggested limiting meetings to 30 minutes. Panel 2 – the woman asks, “Did you get some pushback?” Panel 3 – the man explains people asked for more time to cover topics. Panel 4 – the woman urges them to keep meetings from wasting time. The URL www.realbusinessenglish.com appears on two panels. — Business English Vocabulary: Get Some Pushback by REAL Business English

Business English Vocabulary: Get Some Pushback

More Real-Life Examples

Marketing

– We’re planning a new ad campaign for the holiday season.

– We’ll get some pushback on the extra budget we need.

– When we get some pushback, we can show that sales will go up.

– If we deal with pushback early, people will agree to our plan.

Project Deadline

– We want to move the deadline up by two weeks.

– We’ll probably get some pushback.

– We can explain why earlier delivery helps the client.

Event Planning

– We’d like to switch the venue to a smaller room.

– We might get some pushback.

– We can point out the benefits of lower costs and a cozier feel.

Team Roles

– We’re thinking of having Jen lead the new project.

– We could get some pushback from colleagues.

– We can remind them of her past successes on similar tasks.

Let’s Chat!

Have you ever gotten pushback on your idea at work?

Yes. I work in a cafe. I asked my boss if we could add a new tea flavor. My coworkers did not agree. They said it would cost too much. After that pushback, we used a cheaper recipe and now customers like it. (P., a waiter and B1 English learner from Vietnam)