Let’s begin our A-Z Business idioms list Let’s. Take a look at some of the most common business idioms and expressions used in English in alphabetical order with picture examples.
Don’t forget to click on the links at the bottom to continue your learning quest.
a big fish in a small pond
meaning – someone who is important in a small area
example – Joe was a big fish in a small pond, when he went to uni, that all changed.
a close call
meaning – a narrow escape from danger/disaster
example – It was a close call, but we got to the gate a minute before it closed.
a drop in the ocean
meaning – A small amount compared to what is required
example – My signature is only a drop in the ocean. The campaign needs 100,000.
A for effort
meaning – someone has tried hard even though they might not have succeeded
example – I’ll give you an A for effort but cook the pasta a little more next time.
a game changer
meaning – something that has a huge impact on a situation in a good way
example – My new air fryer is a game changer. I can use it for everything.
a game plan
meaning – a strategy for reaching a goal
example – My new restaurant isn’t making a profit, I need a new game plan.
a safe bet
meaning – certain to happen/win/succeed, confidence can be placed in the outcome
example – Getting an engineering degree is a safe bet, it’s a good profession.
a two-horse race
meaning – a competition where there are only two teams/candidates with a chance of winning
example – The election is turning into a two-horse race.
above average
meaning – better than normal
example – The film wasn’t even above average, it was below average in my opinion.
above board
meaning – legal, honest
example – I’ve got a new business opportunity. It’s all above board, would you like to know more?
across the board
meaning – including everything and everyone in a particular group
example – New punctuality rules apply across the board. If your late, your wages will be docked.
add fuel to the fire/flames
meaning – do/say something to make a bad situation even worse
example – The burglar added fuel to the flames by resisting arrest.
add insult to injury
meaning – something happens to make a bad situation worse
example – I had to work bank holiday Monday. To add insult to injury, I didn’t get paid time and a half.
against all odds
meaning – something happens although it seemed very likely to fail
example – Against all odds, he made a full recovery.
ahead of the game
meaning – gain/maintain an advantage over your competitors
example – The Japanese are always ahead of the game when it comes to technology.
ahead of the pack
meaning – in front of/more successful than your competitors
example – In tomorrow’s meeting, we’ll discuss some new ideas. We need to stay ahead of the pack.
all done and dusted
meaning – completely finished
example – I’ll have the report all done and dusted and on your desk by the end of the day.
all ears
meaning – ready and eager to listen
example – I’ve got a proposition for you, when you’re all ears, I’ll begin.
all hands on deck
meaning – everyone is needed to help
example – The order has to be finished by Monday so it’s all hands on deck to complete it.
another bite of the cherry
meaning – another chance/opportunity to do something
example – You don’t often get another bite of the cherry. Don’t mess up this time.
appeal to someone’s better nature
meaning – ask for mercy/sympathy
example – I spoke to your dad and appealed to his better nature. He’s agreed to let you go to the concert.
asleep at the wheel
meaning – not paying attention to one’s work/responsibilities
example – We missed the deadline because you were asleep at the wheel.
at sea
meaning – confused about something
example – We’re at sea about whether to stay in our house or buy a bigger one.
at sixes and sevens
meaning – confused/disordered
example – The country is at sixes and sevens. No one knows what state it will be in next year.
at stake
meaning – at risk of being lost/stolen/damaged etc.
example – More than 3,000 jobs are at stake if the airline goes into liquidation.
at the drop of a hat
meaning – do something without hesitation/immediately
example – If Hannah becomes single, I’d ask her out at the drop of a hat.
at this stage in the game
meaning – the current point in a situation/process
example – I can’t say anything at this stage in the game. All will be revealed in a few weeks.
