15 Most Common Business Idioms You Should Know
There are many idioms used in the business World. If you don’t understand these expressions, it’s easy to get lost in a conversation. Below is a table of 15 most common idioms used at work.
List of Most Common Business Idioms
| No. | Idioms | Explanation |
| 1 | Yes man |
A person who always agrees with his boss.
E.g. ‘Being a yes man keeps me out of trouble, and it might even lead to a promotion!” |
| 2 | Call it a day |
To quit work and go home; to say that a day’s work has been completed.
E.g. “I’m tired. Let’s call it a day.” “The boss was mad because Bill called it a day at noon.” |
| 3 | Hit the nail on the head |
To identify something exactly; to arrive at exactly the right answer.
E.g. “He hit the nail on the head when he said the problem was the thermostat” |
| 4 | Grey area (UK) / Gray area (US) |
Means something that is not clearly defined and needs careful judgement.
E.g. “It exists in a grey area between legal and illegal.” “It’s a grey area isn’t it?” (Meaning the speaker is talking about an unsure concept). |
| 5 | Get the ball rolling |
To begin; to start some action; to set in motion.
E.g. We really need to get the ball rolling on this project. The deadline is in October, and it’s already September. |
| 6 | Back to the Drawing Board |
Means that a previously established plan isn’t working and that it is time to re-plan.
E.g. “My job interview went horribly! I have to go back to the drawing board.” |
| 7 | Thumbs Up |
Shows that someone or something is good, especially when it comes to a performance or action with good results.
E.g. “That’s good. You deserve a big thumbs up for such a great presentation!” |
| 8 | Big picture |
Means the overall perspective or objective, not the fine detail.
E.g. “Although we all have all specific tasks to do, our leader makes sure we don’t lose sight of the big picture.” |
| 9 | On the ball | To be Alert, active, or attentive; on top |
