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.

business idiom - off base

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.

business idiom - off the top of one’s 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.

business idiom - old hand

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.

business idioms and expressions in English - on a roll meaning

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.

business idiom - on a shoestring

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.

business idiom - on hand

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.

business idiom - on target

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.

business idioms and expressions in English - on the back burner meaning

on the ball

meaning – alert, focused, efficient
example – You haven’t been on the ball recently. Are you having problems at home?

business idiom - on the ball

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.

Business idioms and expressions - learn the ropes

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.

Outstanding Business Idioms meaning - 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.

business idioms list - on the same wavelength meaning

on the side-lines

meaning – not actively participating
example – Thomas has hurt his knee, so he’ll be on the side-lines today.

business idiom - on the sidelines meaning and example

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.

business idioms list - on top of something

onside

meaning – persuade someone to support/agree with you
example – Once the council are onside, we can go ahead with the house extension.

business idiom - onside

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.

business idiom - 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.

business idiom - out of one’s 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.

business idiom - out of the loop

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.

common business idiom - out of the running

Did you enjoy learning outstanding business idioms? I thought so! Click the links below to learn some more.