Let’s take a look at some of the most recognised business idioms starting with R.
Don’t forget to click on the links at the bottom for the rest.
raise the bar
meaning – increase the quality/standard/expectations
example – The teacher said I raised the bar, it was the best poem she has ever read.
read between the lines
meaning – find real feelings/intentions not what is said/written
example – If you read between the lines, you’ll see that things haven’t been great between them for ages.
red tape
meaning – official rules and proceedings that take time
example – I was going to buy an old church to renovate, but there was too much red tape.
reinvent the wheel
meaning – waste time doing something that has already been done well
example – I don’t want you to reinvent the wheel, just come up with some new ideas.
riding high
meaning – successful/popular/confident
example – Katy Perry is still riding high in the charts.
right off the bat
meaning – immediately, from the beginning
example – I knew right off the bat it was a bad idea.
right-hand man
meaning – the most valuable assistant/helper
example – I’m away for two weeks, contact my right-hand man Colin if you have any problems.
rock the boat
meaning – disturb the peace/balance
example – If Lara becomes the manager and starts bossing people around, it’ll rock the boat.
roll up one’s sleeves
meaning – prepare to work/fight/do something difficult
example – The bystander rolled up his sleeves and grabbed the thug around the neck.
roll with the punches
meaning – cope with/adapt to difficulties
example – I’m just rolling with the punches until I get another job.
round the clock
meaning – throughout the day and night, continuously
example – I’ve been studying round the clock for my exams.
rule of thumb
meaning – a basic rule that isn’t always followed
example – A rule of thumb is 300 grams per person.
run at a loss
meaning – not making a profit
example – I can’t run at a loss any longer, I think it’s time to throw in the towel.
run with
meaning – be in charge of something and do it independently
example – Do you think I can trust Ryan to run with the case while I’m away?
Did you enjoy learning recognised business idioms? I thought so! Click the links below to learn some more.