Learning commonly used business English phrases will help you to sound like a native speaker in the workplace. Native English speakers use business English to communicate at work all the time—expressions and key vocabulary.
The business English phrases in this guide are some of the most widely used and understood. If you know of any others we should add to this list, make sure to add it in the comments section below!
Read more: 60 Essential Business Idioms: Sound Fluent at Work!
1. A Piece of Cake
“A Piece of Cake” means something is very easy to do. English speakers use this expression when they want to emphasize that a task or job can be completed without much effort.
A Piece of Cake Example Sentences:
- “Completing the project on time was a piece of cake for our team.”
- “With the right tools, this task will be a piece of cake.”
2. Ballpark Figure
“Ballpark Figure” means an estimated number or range that is not exact but close to the actual value. English speakers use this phrase when they need to give or receive a rough estimate, often during initial discussions or planning stages.
Ballpark Figure Example Sentences:
- “Can you give me a ballpark figure for the total cost?”
- “The contractor provided a ballpark figure for the renovations.”
3. Bite the Bullet
“Bite the Bullet” means to bravely face a difficult or unpleasant situation. English speakers use this phrase when they have to endure something painful or difficult with courage.
Bite the Bullet Example Sentences:
- “We just need to bite the bullet and tell the team about the budget cuts.”
- “Sometimes you have to bite the bullet and accept the changes.”
4. Bring to the Table
“Bring to the Table” means the skills, ideas, or benefits one can offer. English speakers use this phrase in business contexts to discuss what a person, team, or company can contribute to a project or deal.
Bring to the Table Example Sentences:
- “We need someone who can bring innovation and enthusiasm to the table.”
- “She brings a wealth of experience to the table.”
5. Burn the Midnight Oil
“Burn the Midnight Oil” means to work late into the night or early morning hours. English speakers use this phrase when someone is working hard, often late into the night, to complete a task.
Burn the Midnight Oil Example Sentences:
- “I had to burn the midnight oil to finish the report on time.”
- “Our team is burning the midnight oil to meet the project deadline.”
6. Catch Someone’s Eye
“Catch Someone’s Eye” means to attract someone’s attention. English speakers use this phrase when something is noticeable and draws attention.
Catch Someone’s Eye Example Sentences:
- “The new product really caught my eye.”
- “Your resume caught the manager’s eye.”
7. Close the Deal
“Close the Deal” means to finalize a business transaction or agreement. English speakers use this phrase when a business agreement or sale is successfully completed.
Close the Deal Example Sentences:
- “We are confident that we will close the deal by the end of the week.”
- “After months of negotiation, we finally closed the deal.”
8. Cut to the Chase
“Cut to the Chase” means to skip all the preliminary details and get to the main point. English speakers use this phrase when they want to avoid unnecessary information and focus directly on the important part.
Cut to the Chase Example Sentences:
- “I’m short on time, so let’s cut to the chase: how much will it cost?”
- “She doesn’t like small talk and always cuts to the chase.”
9. Face the Music
“Face the Music” means to accept and deal with criticism or punishment for something done wrong. English speakers use this phrase when someone has to confront the consequences of their actions.
Face the Music Example Sentences:
- “After the failed project, the team had to face the music.”
- “He lost the client and now he has to face the music.”
10. Get the Ball Rolling
“Get the Ball Rolling” means to start something, especially an organized activity or process. English speakers use this phrase when initiating a project or action.
Get the Ball Rolling Example Sentences:
- “Let’s get the ball rolling on the new campaign; we’ve already lost too much time.”
- “To get the ball rolling, let’s outline our main objectives.”
11. Go the Extra Mile
“Go the Extra Mile” means to do more than what is expected. English speakers use this phrase to describe someone who puts in extra effort to achieve something.
Go the Extra Mile Example Sentences:
- “Our team always goes the extra mile for clients.”
- “Going the extra mile can make a big difference in customer satisfaction.”
12. Hit the Ground Running
“Hit the Ground Running” means to start something quickly and energetically. English speakers use this phrase when someone begins a job or task with great energy and enthusiasm.
Hit the Ground Running Example Sentences:
- “Our new sales director hit the ground running.”
- “We need someone who can hit the ground running on the first day.”
13. In the Black
“In the Black” means being profitable or financially successful. English speakers use this phrase to describe a company or individual who is making money and is financially stable.
In the Black Example Sentences:
- “After years of losses, the company is finally in the black.”
- “Being in the black is the primary goal of any business.”
14. In the Red
“In the Red” means losing money or being in debt. English speakers use this phrase to describe a financial situation where expenses are higher than income.
In the Red Example Sentences:
- “The company has been in the red for the past three quarters.”
- “We need to get out of the red by cutting unnecessary expenses.”
15. Jump on the Bandwagon
“Jump on the Bandwagon” means to adopt a popular activity or trend. English speakers use this phrase when someone decides to follow a trend or take up a cause that has become fashionable or popular.
Jump on the Bandwagon Example Sentences:
- “Many companies are jumping on the bandwagon and promoting mental health.”
- “I’m not just jumping on the bandwagon; I truly believe in this cause.”
16. Keep Your Cards Close to Your Chest
“Keep Your Cards Close to Your Chest” means to keep your plans, ideas, or thoughts secret. English speakers use this phrase when someone is not revealing their intentions or plans.
Keep Your Cards Close to Your Chest Example Sentences:
- “During the negotiations, he kept his cards close to his chest.”
- “It’s wise to keep your cards close to your chest in business.”
17. Level the Playing Field
“Level the Playing Field” means to give everyone the same opportunities. English speakers use this phrase when actions are taken to ensure fairness and equal opportunities for all parties involved.
Level the Playing Field Example Sentences:
- “Implementing new regulations will level the playing field for all companies.”
- “We need to level the playing field so that everyone has a fair chance.”
18. Low-Hanging Fruit
“Low-Hanging Fruit” means easy tasks or goals that can be quickly achieved. English speakers use this phrase to refer to actions or objectives that can be easily accomplished to make noticeable progress.
Low-Hanging Fruit Example Sentences:
- “Let’s start with the low-hanging fruit to boost our quarterly figures.”
- “Focusing on low-hanging fruit can lead to quick wins.”
19. Move the Needle
“Move the Needle” means to make a noticeable difference or effect. English speakers use this phrase when referring to actions or changes that have a significant impact.
Move the Needle Example Sentences:
- “We need innovative solutions that will move the needle.”
- “Hiring a new team really moved the needle on our project’s progress.”
20. Not All It’s Cracked Up to Be
“Not All It’s Cracked Up to Be” means something is not as good as people say it is. English speakers use this phrase to express disappointment or to indicate that something is not as excellent as expected.
Not All It’s Cracked Up to Be Example Sentences:
- “The new software is not all it’s cracked up to be.”
- “I thought this job would be exciting, but it’s not all it’s cracked up to be.”
21. On the Same Page
“On the Same Page” means agreeing or having a mutual understanding. English speakers use this phrase when team members understand and agree on a plan or idea.
On the Same Page Example Sentences:
- “I want to ensure we’re all on the same page before we present this strategy to the client.”
- “Let’s have a meeting to get everyone on the same page.”
22. Par for the Course
“Par for the Course” means typical or expected. English speakers use this phrase to describe something that is normal or expected in a particular situation, job, or place.
Par for the Course Example Sentences:
- “Long hours are par for the course in this job.”
- “Delays in the project are par for the course when dealing with construction.”
23. Push the Envelope
“Push the Envelope” means to go beyond the usual or accepted limits. English speakers use this phrase when someone is trying innovative or bold measures to achieve something.
Push the Envelope Example Sentences:
- “We need to push the envelope to make a breakthrough in the market.”
- “She always pushes the envelope with her innovative designs.”
24. Put All Your Eggs in One Basket
“Put All Your Eggs in One Basket” means to risk everything on a single opportunity or idea. English speakers use this phrase to advise against concentrating all efforts or resources in one area.
Put All Your Eggs in One Basket Example Sentences:
- “Investing all your money in one company means you’re putting all your eggs in one basket.”
- “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket; diversify your investments.”
25. Read Between the Lines
“Read Between the Lines” means to understand the implicit meaning behind spoken or written words. English speakers use this phrase when there is a need to interpret the underlying or unspoken message.
Read Between the Lines Example Sentences:
- “You have to read between the lines to understand his real intentions.”
- “The report doesn’t say it explicitly, but if you read between the lines, the results are promising.”
26. Rock the Boat
“Rock the Boat” means to cause trouble or disturb a peaceful situation. English speakers use this phrase to describe actions that could cause instability or conflict.
Rock the Boat Example Sentences:
- “I don’t want to rock the boat, but I think we should reconsider the plan.”
- “She’s not afraid to rock the boat when it comes to standing up for her ideas.”
27. Run It Up the Flagpole
“Run It Up the Flagpole” means to propose an idea to see how people react to it. English speakers use this phrase when testing the popularity or feasibility of an idea.
Run It Up the Flagpole Example Sentences:
- “Let’s run it up the flagpole and see if the board likes the concept.”
- “We ran the new feature up the flagpole, but the response was lukewarm.”
28. See Eye to Eye
“See Eye to Eye” means to agree or have a mutual understanding. English speakers use this phrase when two or more people have the same opinion or perspective.
See Eye to Eye Example Sentences:
- “We don’t always see eye to eye, but we respect each other’s opinions.”
- “It’s important for the team to see eye to eye on the project’s goals.”
29. Step Up to the Plate
“Step Up to the Plate” means to take responsibility for a task or challenge. English speakers use this phrase when someone takes initiative or faces a challenge head-on.
Step Up to the Plate Example Sentences:
- “We need someone to step up to the plate and lead this project.”
- “When the manager resigned, Jane stepped up to the plate.”
30. Take with a Grain of Salt
“Take with a Grain of Salt” means to be skeptical or not take something too seriously. English speakers use this phrase when suggesting that information should not be accepted without doubt or investigation.
Take with a Grain of Salt Example Sentences:
- “I’d take his advice with a grain of salt; he’s not an expert.”
- “These predictions should be taken with a grain of salt; they’re not always accurate.”
31. The Ball Is in Your Court
“The Ball Is in Your Court” means it is up to you to make a decision or take action. English speakers use this phrase when the responsibility for doing something is transferred to another person.
The Ball Is in Your Court Example Sentences:
- “We’ve done all we can; now the ball is in your court.”
- “I’ve given you all the training; the ball is in your court to apply it.”
32. The Elephant in the Room
“The Elephant in the Room” means a big, obvious problem that everyone is ignoring. English speakers use this phrase to point out an issue that is being overlooked or avoided.
The Elephant in the Room Example Sentences:
- “We need to address the elephant in the room: our declining sales.”
- “The budget cut is the elephant in the room that nobody wants to talk about.”
33. Throw in the Towel
“Throw in the Towel” means to give up or admit defeat. English speakers use this phrase when someone decides to quit because they believe further effort is futile.
Throw in the Towel Example Sentences:
- “After months of negotiations, they threw in the towel.”
- “I’m not ready to throw in the towel yet; there’s still hope.”
34. Through the Roof
“Through the Roof” means extremely high or at a very high level. English speakers use this phrase to describe something that has increased or escalated significantly.
Through the Roof Example Sentences:
- “Sales went through the roof this quarter.”
- “Customer complaints are through the roof.”
35. Time Is Money
“Time Is Money” means that time is a valuable resource, and wasting it is like wasting money. English speakers use this phrase to emphasize efficiency and the cost of time wastage.
Time Is Money Example Sentences:
- “We need to finish this project quickly; time is money.”
- “In this business, time is money, so we can’t afford delays.”
36. To the Letter
“To the Letter” means exactly as instructed or according to the rules. English speakers use this phrase when something is done precisely according to the instructions or rules.
To the Letter Example Sentences:
- “Make sure you follow the instructions to the letter.”
- “He completed the task to the letter.”
37. Up in the Air
“Up in the Air” means uncertain or undecided. English speakers use this phrase when something is still not resolved or finalized.
Up in the Air Example Sentences:
- “The future of the project is still up in the air.”
- “Our holiday plans are up in the air due to the travel restrictions.”
38. Win-Win Situation
“Win-Win Situation” means a situation where all parties benefit. English speakers use this phrase to describe a scenario where everyone involved gains something positive.
Win-Win Situation Example Sentences:
- “If we collaborate, it will be a win-win situation for both companies.”
- “Finding a compromise created a win-win situation.”
39. Word of Mouth
“Word of Mouth” means information spread through conversation. English speakers use this phrase when referring to informal communication or recommendations.
Word of Mouth Example Sentences:
- “We gained a lot of customers through word of mouth.”
- “Word of mouth is a powerful marketing tool.”
40. Zero In On
“Zero In On” means to focus closely on something. English speakers use this phrase when someone is paying close attention to a particular thing or issue.
Zero In On Example Sentences:
- “The investigation is zeroing in on a group of suspects.”
- “We need to zero in on the main issues affecting our team’s performance.”
41. A Tough Nut to Crack
“A Tough Nut to Crack” means a problem that is hard to solve or a person who is difficult to understand. English speakers use this phrase to describe complex challenges or enigmatic individuals.
A Tough Nut to Crack Example Sentences:
- “The case has been a tough nut to crack for detectives.”
- “The new algorithm is a tough nut to crack.”
42. Bite Off More Than One Can Chew
“Bite Off More Than One Can Chew” means to take on a task that is way too big or beyond one’s ability. English speakers use this phrase when someone has taken on too much responsibility or agreed to complete a task that is likely too large or difficult for them.
Bite Off More Than One Can Chew Example Sentences:
- “I bit off more than I could chew by volunteering to manage three projects at once.”
- “Be careful not to bite off more than you can chew.”
43. Break the Bank
“Break the Bank” means to cost too much or more than one can afford. English speakers use this phrase when something is very expensive.
Break the Bank Example Sentences:
- “Buying a new car doesn’t have to break the bank.”
- “We want a nice wedding, but we don’t want to break the bank.”
44. Call It a Day
“Call It a Day” means to stop working for the rest of the day. English speakers use this phrase to suggest ending the work and resuming it later or the next day.
Call It a Day Example Sentences:
- “We’ve made good progress on the project; let’s call it a day.”
- “It’s getting late; I think it’s time to call it a day.”
45. Cut to the Chase
“Cut to the Chase” means to skip all the preliminary details and get to the main point. English speakers use this phrase when they want to avoid unnecessary information and focus directly on the important part.
Cut to the Chase Example Sentences:
- “I’m short on time, so let’s cut to the chase: how much will it cost?”
- “She doesn’t like small talk and always cuts to the chase.”
46. Get Down to Business
“Get Down to Business” means to start focusing on the task or matter at hand. English speakers use this phrase when it’s time to begin serious work or discussion.
Get Down to Business Example Sentences:
- “After the introductions, we got down to business and discussed the merger.”
- “Let’s get down to business and analyze the data.”
47. Go Back to the Drawing Board
“Go Back to the Drawing Board” means to start over or begin again because the current attempt or plan is failing or unsuccessful. English speakers use this phrase when a plan or idea fails and a new approach is needed.
Go Back to the Drawing Board Example Sentences:
- “Our proposal was rejected, so it’s time to go back to the drawing board.”
- “If this strategy doesn’t work, we’ll have to go back to the drawing board.”
48. Keep One’s Eyes Peeled
“Keep One’s Eyes Peeled” means to watch carefully or be observant. English speakers use this phrase when advising someone to be alert and attentive.
Keep One’s Eyes Peeled Example Sentences:
- “Keep your eyes peeled for any updates from the client.”
- “I’m keeping my eyes peeled for job openings.”
49. Pull One’s Weight
“Pull One’s Weight” means to do one’s share of the work. English speakers use this phrase when referring to someone contributing their fair share to a project or task.
Pull One’s Weight Example Sentences:
- “Everyone on the team needs to pull their weight for us to succeed.”
- “He’s not pulling his weight, and it’s affecting the project.”
50. The Bottom Line
“The Bottom Line” means the final result or outcome, often referring to the financial profitability of a business. English speakers use this phrase to highlight the essential or deciding factor in a situation.
The Bottom Line Example Sentences:
- “The bottom line is we need to increase sales to stay profitable.”
- “Improving customer service affects the bottom line positively.”
How many of these business English phrases did you know? What others would you add to this list? Put your suggestions in the comments below!
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