Let’s take a look at some of the most outstanding business idioms starting with O.
Don’t forget to click on the links at the bottom for the rest.
Outstanding Business Idioms List
off base
meaning – incorrect, mistaken
example – You seem a little off base today class, perhaps because we’re nearing the end of term.
off the top of one’s head
meaning – recall something from memory
example – I’ve got a new number, I can’t remember it off the top of my head.
old hand
meaning – an experienced/skilled person
example – I’m an old hand at fixing cars. I’ve been doing it for 40 years.
on a roll
meaning – enjoy a prolonged spell of success/luck
example – I’ve signed up four new clients and it’s not even 10 am, I’m on a roll.
on a shoestring
meaning – on a tight budget, for little money
example – I can’t come to the cinema tonight, I’m on a shoestring at the moment.
on hand
meaning – available to be used if needed
example – We have a team of 50 lawyers on hand 24/7 to help with all your legal needs.
on target
meaning – accurate, likely to achieve what you’ve planned
example – We’re still on target to meet the deadline. Keep up the good work.
on the back burner
meaning – temporarily put aside, low priority
example – Our holiday plans have been put on the back burner. We need to fix our leaking roof first.
on the ball
meaning – alert, focused, efficient
example – You haven’t been on the ball recently. Are you having problems at home?
on the ropes
meaning – close to defeat/collapse
example – The old pro is on the ropes. It looks like the young boxer will beat him.
on the same page
meaning – all parties agree or have the same amount of knowledge
example – I’ll read out the instructions before we start. I want to make sure we’re all on the same page.
on the same wavelength
meaning – think/behave in the same way as another person
example – We’re not on the same wavelength anymore, I think we should split up.
on the side-lines
meaning – not actively participating
example – Thomas has hurt his knee, so he’ll be on the side-lines today.
on top of something
meaning – have something under complete control
example – My secretary is on holiday, so I need to keep on top of my work.
onside
meaning – persuade someone to support/agree with you
example – Once the council are onside, we can go ahead with the house extension.
out in the open
meaning – in view of the public or public knowledge
example – My town is a disgrace, young kids are doing drugs out in the open.
out of one’s depth
meaning – not have enough knowledge
example – Wendy has started a job at a top law firm. I think she’s out of her depth.
out of the loop
meaning – not part of the group that is told information
example – She’s out of the loop, she hasn’t had the internet for over a week.
out of the running
meaning – not a contender in a competition
example – If this scandal breaks, Lawler will be out of the running to become Chancellor.
Did you enjoy learning outstanding business idioms? I thought so! Click the links below to learn some more.