Emails - Idioms

Question 1

(To get someone) Up to speed, e.g., Why don’t you come to the office and I’ll get you up to speed before we go to the meeting.

Answer 1

To update someone on the current situation/with the necessary information

Question 2

Keep someone in the loop (informal), e.g., I will keep you in the loop once I have more information.

Answer 2

To keep someone informed

Question 3

In full swing, e.g., The deal process is in full swing now. We are currently focused on performing due diligence.

Answer 3

At the height of activity

Question 4

Long story short, e.g., Long story short, the R&D figures are 2% under budget for the marketing department this quarter.

Answer 4

To skip boring, unnecessary details

Question 5

To make good time, e.g., We didn’t expect to finish our valuations until tomorrow, so we’re making good time.

Answer 5

To complete something quicker than expected

Question 6

Green light, e.g., As you can see, the quarterly budget is finalised. I am waiting for the green light to deliver it to the executives next Monday.

Answer 6

Permission / To permit

Question 7

Against the clock, e.g., We’ve been working against the clock all week, but we’ve finally prepared the marketing docs.

Answer 7

Approaching a deadline