Business Builder: British English Business Idioms

Welcome back to Business Builder. This week we are taking a look at idiomatic phrases (phrases that mean something different from what they say) for Business English in Britain. Other English-speaking countries may use these phrases as well, but these are very common in the UK and Northern Ireland.

Here is a list of very common Business English idioms in use, with explanations:

·         On the back burner - “Put the problems with the Johnson account on the back burner” – to make something a lower priority while you focus on other tasks.

·         Back to the drawing board – “OK, so according to the focus groups this ad copy is not very effective, so we need to go back to the drawing board” – to start from the beginning.

·         For the long haul – “We won’t have instant results with this new initiative, we have to be in this for the long haul” – be committed to a project for a long period of time.

·         On the same page – “I just want to make sure we are on the same page with this decision” – be in agreement.

·         Go out on a limb – “I’m going to go out on a limb and say our competitors have this information” – take a risk and do something you are not completely sure of, or completely permitted to do.

·         Jump the gun – “Make sure you don’t jump the gun and release the ad early” – act too early.

·         Throw in the towel – “Maybe it’s time to throw in the towel with our cooking range” – Give up and stop doing something.

·         Cut to the chase – “Let’s cut to the chase and keep this meeting short” – get to the important business without wasting time.

So let me cut to the chase. As it is the summer holidays, I have capacity for more Business English students. I teach privately online, which means you can choose to have lessons on your lunch break, or from your home. Hours and lesson frequency are flexible, and all Business English lessons are designed entirely for you, and your English language needs.