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Taking Chances: Ten Everyday Business English Idioms About Trying and Risking
- Erin West
- Dec 19, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 30
Taking risks is part of life, especially in business. Testing a new idea? Stepping out of your comfort zone? It's all about taking chances. In this article, you'll explore ten common Business English idioms you can use when talking about trying something new or taking a chance. Ready? Let’s dive in!
Please choose the correct option to complete each idiom.
With a very small hope or possibility that it might happen:
KEY
The correct answer is b.chance.
ON THE OFF CHANCE
with a very small hope or possibility that it might happen
She called him on the off chance he was still in the office.
He checked the store on the off chance they had the item in stock.
We arrived early on the off chance we could get better seats.
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Something had a very small chance of success, but it was still attempted:
KEY
The correct answer is c.long.
IT WAS A LONG SHOT
something had a very small chance of success, but it was still attempted
I applied for the job even though I knew it was a long shot.
Winning the lottery is a long shot, but people still buy tickets.
It was a long shot, but I applied for the scholarship anyway.
It was a long shot, but he asked if there were any last-minute tickets.
To deal with a situation as it develops, rather than planning ahead or following a fixed plan:
KEY
The correct answer is d.ear.
PLAY IT BY EAR
to deal with a situation as it develops, rather than planning ahead or following a fixed plan
I’m not sure how long the meeting will last, so let’s play it by ear.
I didn’t rehearse my speech, so I’ll have to play it by ear.
If they ask us to stay longer, we’ll play it by ear and see how it goes.
To attempt something:
KEY
The correct answer is c.give.
GIVE IT A TRY
to attempt something
You won’t know if the strategy works unless you give it a try.
You might not like this idea, but why not give it a try? You don't seem to have any other available options.
The new app looks complicated, but let’s give it a try and see how it works.
To take a risk by trying to get more than what you already have, even though it could go wrong:
KEY
The correct answer is a. push.
PUSH YOUR LUCK
to take a risk by trying to get more than what you already have, even though it could go wrong
Don't push your luck! You’ve already got a great deal. Asking for more might ruin it.
I got away with being late once, but I wouldn’t want to push my luck with the boss.
You’re pushing your luck by asking for another deadline extension.
To decide to do something important or risky, even if you feel unsure about it:
KEY
The correct answer is b.plunge.
TAKE THE PLUNGE
to decide to do something important or risky, even if you feel unsure about it
After months of saving, I took the plunge and bought my first car.
They weren't sure about moving abroad, but they decided to take the plunge.
He took the plunge and invested in the new startup, hoping it would pay off.
To take a chance on something:
KEY
The correct answer is a.roll.
ROLL THE DICE
to take a chance on something
I decided to roll the dice and apply for that job abroad.
Sometimes you just have to roll the dice and see what happens.
If you're not sure, roll the dice and take the chance.
To support an idea or take a risky action that others may not agree with, leaving you open to criticism:
KEY
The correct answer is d. limb.
OUT ON A LIMB /lɪm/
to support an idea or take a risky action that others may not agree with, leaving you open to criticism
I know I'm going out on a limb here, but I think we should try a completely new strategy.
He felt like he was out on a limb when he suggested the budget cuts.
I know I’m out on a limb, but I believe this risk will pay off in the long run.
To try something out to see if it will work or how people will react:
KEY
The correct answer is b. test.
TEST THE WATERS
to try something out to see if it will work or how people will react
She tested the waters by casually mentioning her new idea to her boss.
The company tested the waters with a trial version of the app.
Let’s test the waters before committing to a big investment.
To do something unfamiliar or challenging that makes you feel uncomfortable:
KEY
The correct answer is d. zone.
STEP OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE
to do something unfamiliar or challenging that makes you feel uncomfortable
He stepped out of his comfort zone and gave a speech.
You need to step out of your comfort zone if you want to grow.
Traveling alone forced him to step out of his comfort zone.
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