30+ Popular Business English Idioms You Should Know

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Business English idioms are a set of idiomatic expressions that are commonly used in the business world. These idioms are used to convey ideas and concepts in a more succinct and efficient manner. They are also used to convey a sense of familiarity and camaraderie among business professionals. Some of the most common business idioms include “to hit the ground running,” “to think outside the box,” “to keep your eye on the ball,” and “to go the extra mile.” These idioms are widely used in business meetings, presentations, emails, and other forms of business communication.

The following lesson provides a useful list of the most common idioms related to English business with their meaning and ESL printable images.

Idioms for Making Decisions

below is the list of idioms for making decisions in English.

• Hesitation is the thief of time
• Sleep on it
• Go with your gut
• Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth
• Weigh the pros and cons
• Cross that bridge when you come to it
• All or nothing
• Cut your losses
• Take the plunge
• The ball is in your court

Business English Idioms – Making Decisions

Learn More: https://7esl.com/idioms-for-making-decisions/

Idioms about Leadership

Learn More: https://7esl.com/idioms-about-leadership/

Idioms About Jobs

• Bring home the bacon
• Climb the corporate ladder
• Cost an arm and a leg”
• A foot in the door
• A golden handshake
• A labor of love
• A safe bet
• A taste of your own medicine
• A taste of the high life
• A dime a dozen

Business English Idioms – Jobs

Learn More: https://7esl.com/job-idioms/

Idioms about Money and Finance

• Money talks
• Pay through the nose
• Break the bank
• In the black
• In the red
• A penny for your thoughts
• A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush
• A dime a dozen
• A fool and his money are soon parted
• Money doesn’t grow on trees

Business English Idioms – Money and Finance

Learn More: https://7esl.com/idioms-about-money-and-finance/

Idioms about Sales and Marketing

• A hard sell
• A soft sell
• A sale is a sale
• Sell like hotcakes
• Sell like ice to an Eskimo
• Sell short
• Sell snake oil
• A foot in the door
• A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush
• A taste of the high life

Business English Idioms – Sales and Marketing

Learn More: https://7esl.com/idioms-about-sales-and-marketing/

Idioms for Negotiation

• Drive a hard bargain
• Give and take
• The ball is in your court
• Put all your cards on the table
• Meet halfway
• Hold the line
• Bargain for the best deal
• Hold out for more
• Sell oneself short
• A win-win situation

Business English Idioms – Negotiation

Learn More: https://7esl.com/idioms-for-business-negotiations/

Idioms for Problems

• A thorn in one’s side
• A fly in the ointment
• A storm in a teacup
• A can of worms
• A sticky wicket
• A red flag
• A tough nut to crack
• A headache
• A hot potato
• A catch-22

Business English Idioms – Problems

Learn More: https://7esl.com/idioms-for-problems-and-difficulties/

Idioms about Schedules and Planning

• On schedule
• Behind schedule
• Ahead of schedule
• To schedule something in
• To pencil something in
• To put something on the back burner
• To make time for something
• To play it by ear
• To be caught off guard
• To be on the same page

Business English Idioms – Schedules and Planning

Learn More: https://7esl.com/idioms-about-schedules/