Business Idioms: Deck 4 of 4

Question 1

smooth/clear sailing

Answer 1

“Smooth sailing” is a term used to describe a situation where success is achieved without difficulties.

Question 2

snail mail

Answer 2

“Snail mail” is the term used for the traditional mail that goes through the post office.

Question 3

stand one’s ground

Answer 3

To “stand one’s ground” means to not change one’s opinion or position.

Question 4

start off on the right foot

Answer 4

To “start off on the right foot” means to start something in a positive way.

Question 5

start off on the wrong foot

Answer 5

To “start off on the wrong foot” means to start something in a negative way.

Question 6

state of the art

Answer 6

Something that is “state of the art” is modern and technologically advanced.

Question 7

take something lying down

Answer 7

To “take something lying down” means to accept something unpleasant without fighting back.

Question 8

take the bull by the horns

Answer 8

To “take the bull by the horns” means to directly confront a difficult situation.

Question 9

talk someone into something

Answer 9

To “talk someone into something” means to convince someone to do something.

Question 10

talk someone out of something

Answer 10

To “talk someone out of something” means to convince someone not to do something.

Question 11

the elephant in the room

Answer 11

“The elephant in the room” refers to an obvious problem or controversial issue that no one wants to talk about.

Question 12

think big

Answer 12

To “think big” means to have ambitious goals and big plans for the future.

Question 13

think outside the box

Answer 13

To “think outside the box” means to think of creative, unconventional solutions instead of common ones.

Question 14

throw in the towel

Answer 14

To “throw in the towel” means to quit.

Question 15

time’s up

Answer 15

“Time’s up” means that the time for something or someone has ended.

Question 16

touch base

Answer 16

To “touch base” means to make contact with someone.

Question 17

twist someone’s arm

Answer 17

To “twist someone’s arm” means to persuade or convince someone to do something that he or she does not want to do.

Question 18

under the table

Answer 18

Something done secretly (and usually illegally) in the business world is done “under the table.”

Question 19

up in the air

Answer 19

If something is undecided, it is “up in the air.”

Question 20

uphill battle

Answer 20

Something that is difficult to achieve because of obstacles and difficulties is an “uphill battle.”

Question 21

upper hand

Answer 21

If someone has an advantage over someone else, he or she has the “upper hand.”

Question 22

white collar

Answer 22

A “white collar worker” is someone who works in an office (customer service, management, sales, etc.). The opposite of a white collar worker is a “blue collar worker.” A blue collar worker is someone who works with his hands (manufacturing, construction, maintenance, etc.). “White collar” (and “blue collar”) can also be used to describe a job, position, or place.

Question 23

win-win situation

Answer 23

A “win-win situation” is a situation where everyone involved gains something.

Question 24

word of mouth

Answer 24

If something spreads by “word of mouth,” people hear about it through informal conversation with friends, family members, acquaintances, etc.

Question 25

writing on the wall

Answer 25

The “writing on the wall” refers to the evidence and clues that something (usually negative) is going to happen.

Question 26

yes man

Answer 26

A “yes man” is someone who always agrees with his or her superiors.