Handy Business Idioms H

Let’s take a look at some of the most common business idioms and expressions used in English in alphabetical order. This page contains the idioms from H – L with picture examples.

Don’t forget to click on the links at the bottom for the rest.

Let’s take a look at some handy business idioms used in English.

Don’t forget to click on the links at the bottom for the rest.

hands are tied

meaning – you can’t do something because you don’t have the power/authority
example – The headmaster wants him expelled. There is nothing I can do; my hands are tied.

have a good innings

meaning – had a long successful life/career
example – Albert had a good innings, he deserves his retirement.

have a lot on one’s plate

meaning – have too much work/many things to deal with
example – We can’t go on holiday this year, we’ve got too much on our plates.

have an ace up one’s sleeve

meaning – have a secret advantage
example – I’ll get the job. I have an ace up my sleeve; my dad is friends with the boss.

have an axe to grind

meaning – have a complaint/dispute
example – The boss has called an emergency meeting, I think he has an axe to grind.

have one’s back against the wall

meaning – you are in a difficult situation and have no other options
example – I’m in so much debt, my back is against the wall. The bailiffs are coming tomorrow.

have one’s cake and eat it

meaning – enjoy two things that contradict each other
example – You can’t have your cake and eat it. It’s uni or travelling, not both.

have one’s fingers in lots of pies

meaning – be involved in many different things
example – She does yoga, Pilates, running and karate. That woman has her fingers in lots of pies.

have one’s foot in the door

meaning – start working for a company in a low position in the hope of getting promoted
example – I’d love to get my foot in the door at Google.

have one’s work cut out

meaning – a hard/difficult job/task
example – Our colleague is on holiday, so we have our work cut out this week.

have the floor

meaning – the person speaking in a discussion debate
example – I’ve got a few more points to go through then you can have the floor.

have the upper hand

meaning – gain an advantage
example – My brother always has the upper hand when we fight. He is much bigger than me.

headhunt

meaning – persuade a person from another company to work for you
example – I’m going to headhunt someone for the manager’s position. I need someone with experience.

heads will roll

meaning – someone will get in trouble and be severely punished for doing something bad
example – The case didn’t go to court as vital evidence was destroyed. Heads will roll.

hear through the grapevine

meaning – hear unofficial rumours/gossip
example – I heard through the grapevine that three people were fired yesterday.

hit a home run

meaning – do something that is very successful
example – Our latest product is selling like crazy. We’ve hit a home run.

hit a snag

meaning – an unexpected problem/issue/difficulty
example – We’ve hit a snag. The car has broken down, I don’t think we’ll make it tonight.

hit the big time

meaning – become rich/famous/successful
example – I’ve got a part in a Hollywood blockbuster, I’ve hit the big time.

hit the ground running

meaning – start and continue doing something with enthusiasm
example – The team have hit the ground running. I predict at least 5 goals from them.

hit the nail on the head

meaning – do/say something that is perfectly suitable for the situation
example – Craig hit the nail on the head when he said we need to rebrand the company.

hit the right note

meaning – do/say something that is perfectly suitable for the situation
example – Our adverts aren’t hitting the right note. We need to do some more research.

hold all the aces

meaning – have all the power/advantages
example – If Kieron gets promoted, he’ll hold all the aces. He’ll be a nightmare to work for.

hold the fort

meaning – take responsibility as the person who is usually in charge is absent
example – I`ve got to meet with the CEO at noon. Can you hold the fort for an hour?

hold your horses

meaning – wait and be patient before doing something
example – Hold your horses. I need to read the contract in detail before I sign anything.

hotshot

meaning – an important/skilful/capable/successful person
example – a hotshot stockbroker. I trust him with my money.

household name

meaning – a person or object that is well known by the public
example – My aim is to make my products household names by 2020.

hush money

meaning – a bribe to keep a secret
example – My mistress is pregnant. I must give her £300 a month hush money or she’ll tell my wife.

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Business idioms and expressions