Let’s take a look at some of the most common business idioms starting with B.
Don’t forget to click on the links at the bottom for the rest.
back on one’s feet
meaning – healthy after being unwell or have money after being in financial difficulties
example – Libby has a job, she’ll be back on her feet in a few months.
back to basics
meaning – revert to simple ideas/activities
example – We’re going back to basics this week; you all failed the advanced grammar test.
back to square one
meaning – start again from the beginning because of failure
example – My fiancé and I split after 12 years together. It’s back to square one.
back to the drawing board
meaning – start again at the beginning after an attempt has failed
example – We were gazumped on the house we wanted, looks like it’s back to the drawing board.
backbreaking
meaning – physically demanding
example – We’ve done a lot of backbreaking work in the garden. We deserve a beer.
bags of time
meaning – have lots of time
example – Hurry up and get in the car. We haven’t got bags of time.
balance the books
meaning – ensure the credit/debit figures are correct
example – I balance the books for a top beauty company.
ball in one`s court
meaning – someone else has to make the decision or deal with the problem/responsibility
example – I paid for his rehab and got him a job, the ball is in his court now.
ballpark figure
meaning – an approximate figure
example – The ballpark figure is 500 guests, it could be a lot more.
bang for one’s/the buck
meaning – good value for money
example – Let’s go to the curry house on Vincent Street. We’ll get more bang for our buck there.
bank on someone/something
meaning – rely on someone/something happening
example – I’ve just lost my job; I’m banking on my family to help me.
bark up the wrong tree
meaning – pursue the wrong thing
example – I think you’re barking up the wrong tree, James is definitely gay.
bat for someone
meaning – support/help/defend someone
example – Do you think you could bat for me and speak to your boss? I really need this job.
beat someone at their own game
meaning – use a similar strategy to your competitors/enemies
example – I’m offering weekend discounts at my salon to beat the competition at their own game.
behind the scenes
meaning – things that happen out of the view of the public
example – Watch the news at 7, we’ll be going behind the scenes at an abattoir in Devon.
bend over backwards
meaning – make a great effort to help someone
example – I’ve always bent over backwards for my neighbours, but when I need a favour, they say no.
between a rock and hard place
meaning – in a predicament, faced with two unpleasant alternatives
example – Nigel is between a rock and a hard place. It’s divorce or stay together and be miserable.
big cheese
meaning – a very important person
example – The big cheese is coming tomorrow. please make sure you arrive on time.
big picture
meaning – the whole perspective of an issue/situation
example – Look at the big picture. If you keep giving him chocolate, you’ll have huge vet bills down the line.
bigwig
meaning – an important person
example – Make sure you’re polite to that guy in the pink shirt, he’s a government bigwig.
bite the bullet
meaning – face a tough situation with courage, despite discomfort or fear
example – It looks like I’ll have to bite the bullet and ask for that pay rise.
black and white
meaning – something is clear, straightforward
example – The rules are black and white. If you cheat, you will be removed from the school.
black market
meaning – buying and selling illegal goods
example – A girl in my uni sold her kidney on the black market to pay for her course.
blank cheque
meaning – a signed cheque where the amount of money can be inserted
example – My parents gave me a blank cheque so I can buy furniture for my new flat.
blindside
meaning – be surprised in a negative way
example – We were all blindsided by his decision to quit the panel.
blow by blow account
meaning – a detailed description of an event
example – Sit down, I want a blow by blow account of your date last night.
blow one’s own trumpet
meaning – boast about one’s own skills/achievements
example – Grace is always blowing her own trumpet. She’s not even good at acting.
blow someone away/be blown away
meaning – amaze someone
example – I watched a really good film about aliens, the special effects blew me away.
bottom falls out
meaning – something suddenly ends/stop being successful
example – You need to close the deal today; the chief won’t be happy if the bottom falls out.
bottom line
meaning – the most important factor
example – The bottom line is that she wants kids, and I don’t. I can’t see a future for us.
brainstorm
meaning – a group discussion to think of ideas
example – We’re having a meeting tomorrow to brainstorm ideas for the business.
break even
meaning – the minimum number of sales needed to cover costs
example – The business is running at a loss; I’m not even breaking even.
breathe down someone’s neck
meaning – monitor someone closely in an irritating way
example – My mum caught me smoking so she’s been breathing down my neck ever since.
bring something to the table
meaning – provide something useful/beneficial
example – We’ll arrange a meeting where everyone can bring their ideas to the table.
bring the curtain down on
meaning – end something
example – She brought the curtain down on her 40-year career in showbusiness.
broke/flat broke
meaning – have no money
example – I can’t come on holiday this year. I’m flat broke.
build bridges
meaning – improve relationships/reconcile hostile people/groups
example – I need to build bridges with my neighbours, I hate falling out with people.
burn bridges
meaning – behave badly so there is no chance to return to that situation in the future
example – I shouted and swore at the boss. He won’t have me back; I’ve burnt my bridges.
burn the midnight oil
meaning – work late into the night
example – I’ve burnt the midnight oil a lot recently, I’ll be glad when my exams are over.
business as usual
meaning – things continue as normal even in difficult circumstances
example – The office was broken into. Let’s clean up what we can and it’s business as usual.
buy someone off
meaning – pay someone to do something for you, bribe
example – The gangster bought off the jury so he wouldn’t be charged with money laundering.
buyer’s market
meaning – a market where there are more sellers than buyers and prices are low
example – Let’s buy a car, prices are at rock bottom. It’s a buyer’s market at the moment.
by the book
meaning – strictly follow the rules and regulations
example – Jax does everything by the book, he’s so boring.
Did you enjoy learning business idioms starting with B? I thought so! Click the links below to learn some more.