Communicating Naturally & Sounding More Professional - Idioms

Question 1

In a nutshell, e.g., In a nutshell, a targeted sell-side M&A would take less time and have a higher success probability.

Answer 1

In summary

Question 2

A ballpark figure, e.g., Can you give me a ballpark figure for the quarterly EBITDA?

Answer 2

An estimate

Question 3

To touch base (with), e.g., How often do you need to touch base with your clients?

Answer 3

To contact (someone)

Question 4

To do things by the book, e.g., Do you always do things by the book?

Answer 4

To comply strictly with the rules

Question 5

To get to grips with (something)
E.g., Let’s get to grips with the root cause of our budget overruns to prevent future issues.

Answer 5

To begin to deal with or understand

Question 6

To go back to the drawing board
E.g., We need to go back to the drawing board on the budget for this project, because there were some unexpected expenses involved.

Answer 6

To start over or rethink a plan (because the original plan is not working properly)

Question 7

Up and running
Eg., We need to get the new cost control measures up and running before the next audit.

Answer 7

Operating or functioning as expected.