Let’s take a look at some of the top business idioms starting with T.
Don’t forget to click on the links at the bottom for the rest.
tackle something
meaning – deal with a task/problem/issue
example – I’ll tackle the pile of paperwork on my desk after lunch.
take a leaf out of someone’s book
meaning– copy, follow someone’s example as it will be to your advantage
example – You should take a leaf out of Reece’s book and study. He got 98% in the last exam.
take the bull by the horns
meaning– confront a problem head on, be brave and direct
example – I’ve had enough of his bad attitude, I’ll take the bull by the horns and fire him.
talk shop
meaning– discuss work
example – Our husbands are mechanics, so they’re always talking shop when they’re together.
talk someone into
meaning– persuade someone to do something
example – We need to talk Alex into driving us to that rave in Bristol.
talk someone out of something
meaning– persuade someone not to do something
example – I talked myself out of running the marathon, I’m just too lazy.
team player
meaning– a person who works well as a member of a team and puts personal goals aside
example – Shaun isn’t a team player, he only cares about himself.
the eleventh hour
meaning– the latest possible moment
example – Tina pulled out at the eleventh hour. Now there are only three of us going.
the homestretch
meaning– the final stage of a long activity
example – After tomorrow’s exam, we’re in the homestretch.
the icing on the cake
meaning– something additional that makes a good situation even better
example – The fourth goal was the icing on the cake for the away side.
the proof of the pudding is in the eating
meaning– something can only be judged once it has been used/tried/tested/experienced
example – The idea is great, but the proof of the pudding is in the eating.
the straw that broke the camel’s back/the last straw
meaning– the final small thing that causes failure
example – Callum arrived late again. That was the last straw, he was fired immediately.
there is no I in team
meaning– don’t work alone, work together to achieve a result
example – There’s no I in team, remember that on the pitch today boys.
think outside the box
meaning– think of creative/original/imaginative/unusual ideas, forget about the rules
example – I need to think outside the box for my next crime novel. I want to keep my fans interested.
throw a curveball
meaning– surprise someone with a problem/situation/issue etc. which causes difficulties
example – She threw me a curveball and told me she was 4 months pregnant.
throw cold water on
meaning– discourage, reduce enthusiasm
example – I hate my job; my boss is always throwing cold water on my ideas.
throw in at the deep end
meaning– make someone do something difficult without preparing them for it
example – I’ve never baked, and I’ve got to make a wedding cake. I’m being thrown in at the deep end.
throw money at someone/something
meaning– spend a lot of money to try and improve the situation
example – We need to stop throwing money at the project and look for a solution instead.
thumbs down
meaning– a sign of disapproval/rejection
example – The manager gave the thumbs down to my new marketing idea.
thumbs up
meaning– a gesture of approval
example – My mum gave me the thumbs up when she met my hunky boyfriend.
toe the line
meaning – follow the rules
example – You’ve got to start toeing the line or you’ll get kicked out of school.
too close to call
meaning – you can’t predict the outcome, it will be by a small margin
example – The election is too close to call, either of the 3 could win.
toot one’s own horn
meaning – boast about your own skills/achievements
example – Lucas has every right to toot his own horn, he’s a self-made millionaire.
touch base
meaning – communicate with someone
example – The camping trip was great, I got to touch base with some old friends.
train of thought
meaning – a series of thoughts/ideas
example – Joe is a complicated guy, I never follow his train of thought.
tricks of the trade
meaning – clever techniques/methods known and used by professionals
example – My uncle taught me all the tricks of the trade. He was a mechanic for over 40 years.
turn the tables
meaning – reverse a situation
example – We were 3-0 down, now we’re 5-2 up. We turned the tables in the second half.
tweak something
meaning – slightly adjust/alter/fine-tune something to improve it
example – I need to do a few tweaks to next week’s rota. Jimmy and Jade can’t work together.
twenty-four seven (24/7)
meaning – something is open/available 24 hours a day, seven days a week
example – If you need me just call. I’m available 24/7 to help you.
twist someone’s arm
meaning – persuade someone to do something they are reluctant to do
example – Please come out for a drink, I’ll keep twisting your arm until you do.
two-way street
meaning – give and take in equal amounts
example – You have to give respect if you want it in return, it’s a two-way street.
