Business Idioms: Deck 4 of 4 Flashcards
smooth/clear sailing
“Smooth sailing” is a term used to describe a situation where success is achieved without difficulties.
snail mail
“Snail mail” is the term used for the traditional mail that goes through the post office.
stand one’s ground
To “stand one’s ground” means to not change one’s opinion or position.
start off on the right foot
To “start off on the right foot” means to start something in a positive way.
start off on the wrong foot
To “start off on the wrong foot” means to start something in a negative way.
state of the art
Something that is “state of the art” is modern and technologically advanced.
take something lying down
To “take something lying down” means to accept something unpleasant without fighting back.
take the bull by the horns
To “take the bull by the horns” means to directly confront a difficult situation.
talk someone into something
To “talk someone into something” means to convince someone to do something.
talk someone out of something
To “talk someone out of something” means to convince someone not to do something.
the elephant in the room
“The elephant in the room” refers to an obvious problem or controversial issue that no one wants to talk about.
think big
To “think big” means to have ambitious goals and big plans for the future.
think outside the box
To “think outside the box” means to think of creative, unconventional solutions instead of common ones.
throw in the towel
To “throw in the towel” means to quit.
time’s up
“Time’s up” means that the time for something or someone has ended.
touch base
To “touch base” means to make contact with someone.
twist someone’s arm
To “twist someone’s arm” means to persuade or convince someone to do something that he or she does not want to do.
under the table
Something done secretly (and usually illegally) in the business world is done “under the table.”
up in the air
If something is undecided, it is “up in the air.”
uphill battle
Something that is difficult to achieve because of obstacles and difficulties is an “uphill battle.”
upper hand
If someone has an advantage over someone else, he or she has the “upper hand.”
white collar
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.
win-win situation
A “win-win situation” is a situation where everyone involved gains something.
word of mouth
If something spreads by “word of mouth,” people hear about it through informal conversation with friends, family members, acquaintances, etc.
writing on the wall
The “writing on the wall” refers to the evidence and clues that something (usually negative) is going to happen.
yes man
A “yes man” is someone who always agrees with his or her superiors.
