Contents
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.
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.
