{"id":6707,"date":"2022-11-20T10:50:35","date_gmt":"2022-11-20T09:50:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/?p=6707"},"modified":"2025-07-14T12:58:59","modified_gmt":"2025-07-14T10:58:59","slug":"lets-bring-your-business-english-up-to-speed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/tips\/lets-bring-your-business-english-up-to-speed\/","title":{"rendered":"Let&#8217;s Bring Your Business English Up To Speed!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-background wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"background-color:#09bab45e\"><strong>To gain more confidence when using English at work, getting familiar with these Business Idioms can be one of the best solutions. See, when you hear one of these expressions for the first time, they can really get you off track. And if you start doubting your comprehension skills, your performance may suffer in consequence. Fear not, we&#8217;ve got your back with this short list of business phrases for you to understand, memorise and eventually &#8211; use in speaking!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><strong>Curated with love by MPEC &#8211; Leader in Tailor-Made English Training for companies and individuals<\/strong><\/strong>. <strong>Our courses are created by Certified Language &amp; Communication Experts ad hoc for every client and delivered in Zoom anywhere in the world<\/strong>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What are the main characteristics of English idioms used in Business Communication? Well, that&#8217;s a great question! <strong>We could say that any idiom has the potential to become a Business English star, but there are some criteria that the most popular idioms certainly meet. <\/strong>Think about it &#8211; the very concept of Business English is both relatively young (what is two hundred years in linguistics!) and extremely fluctuating. Expressions and phrases get in and out of use and non-native speakers risk sounding like a blast from the past on a business meeting if they don&#8217;t pay attention to the language they use. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_86 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #0abab5;color:#0abab5\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #0abab5;color:#0abab5\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/tips\/lets-bring-your-business-english-up-to-speed\/#The_all_time_favourite_idioms_that_seem_to_stand_the_test_of_time_are_those_that_express\" >The all time favourite idioms that seem to stand the test of time are those that express:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/tips\/lets-bring-your-business-english-up-to-speed\/#Idioms_Related_To_Our_Thinking_Patterns_And_Learning_Processes\" >Idioms Related To Our Thinking Patterns And Learning Processes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/tips\/lets-bring-your-business-english-up-to-speed\/#To_think_outside_the_box\" >To think outside the box<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/tips\/lets-bring-your-business-english-up-to-speed\/#By_the_book\" >By the book<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/tips\/lets-bring-your-business-english-up-to-speed\/#Cut_corners\" >Cut corners<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/tips\/lets-bring-your-business-english-up-to-speed\/#To_learn_the_ropes\" >To learn the ropes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/tips\/lets-bring-your-business-english-up-to-speed\/#Blue_sky_thinking\" >Blue sky thinking<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/tips\/lets-bring-your-business-english-up-to-speed\/#Sport-related_Idioms_are_REALLY_common_in_professional_contexts_%E2%80%93_can_you_use_these_three_correctly\" >Sport-related Idioms are REALLY common in professional contexts &#8211; can you use these three correctly?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/tips\/lets-bring-your-business-english-up-to-speed\/#To_Corner_The_Market\" >To Corner The Market<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/tips\/lets-bring-your-business-english-up-to-speed\/#Something_Is_A_Long_Shot\" >Something Is A Long Shot<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/tips\/lets-bring-your-business-english-up-to-speed\/#To_Go_Down_Swinging\" >To Go Down Swinging<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/tips\/lets-bring-your-business-english-up-to-speed\/#Idioms_Describing_Intellectual_or_Professional_Resources\" >Idioms Describing Intellectual or Professional Resources<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/tips\/lets-bring-your-business-english-up-to-speed\/#to_have_An_ace_up_your_sleeve\" >(to have) An ace up your sleeve<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/tips\/lets-bring-your-business-english-up-to-speed\/#Off_the_top_of_ones_head\" >Off the top of one\u2019s head<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/tips\/lets-bring-your-business-english-up-to-speed\/#Timeline_Deadline_Related_Idioms\" >Timeline &amp; Deadline Related Idioms<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/tips\/lets-bring-your-business-english-up-to-speed\/#Business_Equivalents_of_Speaking_Talking_or_Communicating_with_Others\" >Business Equivalents of Speaking, Talking or Communicating with Others<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_all_time_favourite_idioms_that_seem_to_stand_the_test_of_time_are_those_that_express\"><\/span><strong>The all time favourite idioms that seem to stand the test of time are those that express:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Thinking Patterns And Learning Processes<\/strong> (Eg: Outside the box, by the book, cut corners, to learn the ropes, blue sky thinking)<\/li><li><strong>Intellectual or Professional Resources<\/strong> (Eg: An ace up your sleeve, to bring something to the table, of the top of one&#8217;s head)<\/li><li><strong>Synonyms of Talk\/ Speak \/ Communicate<\/strong> (Eg: To touch base with someone, Out on a limb, to get\/ bring someone up to speed, to hit the nail on the head)<\/li><li><strong>Sport-related Idioms<\/strong> (Eg: To corner the market, a long shot, to go down swinging)<\/li><li><strong>Timeline \/ Deadline Synonyms and Equivalents<\/strong> ( Eg. To jump the gun, To get someone up to speed, Back to square one)<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Below, you can find examples and definitions of the most common idioms in each of these categories. We encourage you to write down two or three idioms a week and actively try<strong> to weave them into<\/strong> (use them in ) your business meetings as a &#8216;real life practice&#8217; exercise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-background wp-block-heading\" style=\"background-color:#0abab5;font-size:18px\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Idioms_Related_To_Our_Thinking_Patterns_And_Learning_Processes\"><\/span><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-white-color\">Idioms Related To Our Thinking Patterns And Learning Processes<\/mark><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-default\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"726\" src=\"https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/3-2-1024x726.jpg\" alt=\"Business English Expressions by MPEC\" class=\"wp-image-6728\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/3-2-1024x726.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/3-2-300x213.jpg 300w, https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/3-2-768x545.jpg 768w, https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/3-2-1536x1090.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/3-2.jpg 1748w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Does your job ever require you to think outside the box?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"To_think_outside_the_box\"><\/span><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#0abab5\" class=\"has-inline-color\">To think outside the box<\/mark><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>to think imaginatively using new ideas instead of traditional or expected ideas<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Example: If you want to succeed in this highly competitive economic environment, you have<strong> to think outside the box<\/strong> to gain an edge on your rivals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Can you think of your own example? Give it a try to get more comfortable with this idiom.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"By_the_book\"><\/span><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#0abab5\" class=\"has-inline-color\">By the book<\/mark><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>To do things strictly by the rules.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Example: I don\u2019t want to take any chances of getting caught  and having to pay a fine. We have to do everything by the book.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cut_corners\"><\/span><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#0abab5\" class=\"has-inline-color\">Cut corners<\/mark><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The opposite of by the book, do things most quickly and cheaply to save time and money<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Example:I know it&#8217;s cutting corners, but this cheaper software is all we can afford this year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"To_learn_the_ropes\"><\/span><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#0abab5\" class=\"has-inline-color\">To learn the ropes<\/mark><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>To learn the basics of a profession, a specific task or activity.<\/strong><br>Example: It took her a while to learn the ropes, but now she is confident and we feel that we can count on her to manage her client portfolio effectively.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-default\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"726\" src=\"https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/2-2-1024x726.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6726\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/2-2-1024x726.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/2-2-300x213.jpg 300w, https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/2-2-768x545.jpg 768w, https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/2-2-1536x1090.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/2-2.jpg 1748w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption><strong>It\u2019s not rocket science = something is not complicated to understand<br><\/strong>How to use it: \u201cJust look up the answer online; it\u2019s not rocket science.\u201d<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Blue_sky_thinking\"><\/span><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#0abab5\" class=\"has-inline-color\">Blue sky thinking<\/mark><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong> Ideas that are feasible in a perfect world, excessive optimism<br><\/strong>Example: \u201cThe manager\u2019s blue-sky thinking always resulted in unrealistic expectations.\u201d <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-background wp-block-heading\" style=\"background-color:#0abab5;font-size:18px\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sport-related_Idioms_are_REALLY_common_in_professional_contexts_%E2%80%93_can_you_use_these_three_correctly\"><\/span><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-white-color\">Sport-related Idioms are REALLY common in professional contexts &#8211; can you use these three correctly?<\/mark><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/5-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6716\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/5-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/5-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/5-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/5-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/5-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/5.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"To_Corner_The_Market\"><\/span><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#0abab5\" class=\"has-inline-color\">To Corner The Market<\/mark><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In finance, cornering the market consists of obtaining sufficient control of a particular stock, commodity, or other asset in an attempt to manipulate the market price. One definition of cornering a market is: having the greatest market share in a particular industry without having a monopoly.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As you can imagine from the use of the word &#8216;corner&#8217; the phrase originated in the world of box and can be met in its more generic version: to corner someone, meaning to force a person or an animal into a place or situation from which they cannot easily escape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What company corners the tech market in your opinion?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/2-1-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6710\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/2-1-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/2-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/2-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/2-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/2-1-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/2-1.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Something_Is_A_Long_Shot\"><\/span><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#0abab5\" class=\"has-inline-color\">Something Is A Long Shot<\/mark><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>This phrase comes from sports, like basketball for example when a player is trying to shoot from a long distance. It means something unlikely to happen and we use to express that we believe there is very little chance of success.<br><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Example: Getting a senior position in the corporation one day is a long shot, but if you don\u2019t try you\u2019ll never find out if it\u2019s possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Can you think of a situation in which to use this phrase?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Business-Idioms-and-Phrases-MPEC-1-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Business-Idioms-and-Phrases-MPEC-1-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Business-Idioms-and-Phrases-MPEC-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Business-Idioms-and-Phrases-MPEC-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Business-Idioms-and-Phrases-MPEC-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Business-Idioms-and-Phrases-MPEC-1-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Business-Idioms-and-Phrases-MPEC-1.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"To_Go_Down_Swinging\"><\/span><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#0abab5\" class=\"has-inline-color\">To Go Down Swinging<\/mark><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>This phrase comes from boxing, <\/strong>where &#8216;to swing&#8217; means to throw an arcing punch. It means to continue to fight or&nbsp;resist someone or&nbsp;something&nbsp;until&nbsp;the&nbsp;last&nbsp;moment of&nbsp;an ultimate&nbsp;defeat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Example: We might not have any real chance of winning this lawsuit, but we&#8217;re gonna go down swinging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Can you think of a situation in which to use this phrase?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-background wp-block-heading\" style=\"background-color:#0abab5;font-size:18px\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Idioms_Describing_Intellectual_or_Professional_Resources\"><\/span><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-white-color\">Idioms Describing Intellectual or Professional Resources<\/mark><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"to_have_An_ace_up_your_sleeve\"><\/span><mark><mark style=\"background-color:#ffffff;color:#0abab5\" class=\"has-inline-color\">(to have) An ace up your sleeve<\/mark><\/mark><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A secret plan, idea, or advantage that can be utilised if and when it is required. A reference to cheating at a card game by hiding a favourable card up one&#8217;s sleeve<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>She&#8217;s&nbsp;keeping&nbsp;all&nbsp;the&nbsp;details&nbsp;of&nbsp;their&nbsp;business&nbsp;practices&nbsp;as&nbsp;an&nbsp;ace up&nbsp;her&nbsp;sleeve&nbsp;should&nbsp;they&nbsp;ever&nbsp;try&nbsp;to&nbsp;fire&nbsp;her.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Off_the_top_of_ones_head\"><\/span><mark><mark style=\"background-color:#ffffff;color:#0abab5\" class=\"has-inline-color\">Off the top of one\u2019s head<\/mark><\/mark><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Meaning: to know immediately<\/strong>,<strong> from memory or without much or careful consideration. <\/strong><br><em>I can\u2019t think of any ideas off the top of my head; I\u2019ll have to do more research.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/7-1-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/7-1-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/7-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/7-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/7-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/7-1-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/7-1.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-background wp-block-heading\" style=\"background-color:#0abab5;font-size:18px\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Timeline_Deadline_Related_Idioms\"><\/span><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-white-color\">Timeline &amp; Deadline Related Idioms<\/mark><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/6-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6718\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/6-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/6-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/6-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/6-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/6-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/6.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Jump the gun<br><\/strong>Meaning: to do something early or before the right time<br>Eg: \u201cNext time, do more research instead of jumping the gun.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>To get someone up to speed<br><\/strong>Meaning: to update someone on the current situation or to give them all the necessary information to allow them to complete their task or fulfil their mission.<br>Eg: &#8216;Why don\u2019t you come to the office and I\u2019ll take the time to get you up to speed before we go to the meeting&#8217;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-background wp-block-heading\" style=\"background-color:#0abab5;font-size:18px\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Business_Equivalents_of_Speaking_Talking_or_Communicating_with_Others\"><\/span><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-white-color\">Business Equivalents of Speaking, Talking or Communicating with Others<\/mark><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Out on a limb<\/strong> = To do or say something risky  Eg: She went out on a limb to defend my unconventional strategy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br><strong>To touch base (with someone) <\/strong>= to talk briefly with someone<strong>.<\/strong> Eg: Let&#8217;s touch base after your meeting with Mark. We&#8217;ll get more details then.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br><strong>To get \/ bring someone up to speed<\/strong> = to update someone on the current situation or to give them all the necessary information to allow them to complete their task or fulfil their mission. Eg: Why don\u2019t you come to the office and I\u2019ll take the time to get you up to speed before we go to the meeting.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Business-Idioms-and-Phrases-MPEC-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6735\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Business-Idioms-and-Phrases-MPEC-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Business-Idioms-and-Phrases-MPEC-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Business-Idioms-and-Phrases-MPEC-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Business-Idioms-and-Phrases-MPEC-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Business-Idioms-and-Phrases-MPEC-600x600.png 600w, https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Business-Idioms-and-Phrases-MPEC.png 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Feel like this is just a tip of an iceberg ? You are entirely correct &#8211; idioms and collocations are a huge chunk of Business English. We, at MPEC dedicate a lot of attention to speaking and communication. So, if you need to practice or learn more &#8211; do not hesitate to get in touch!<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100 is-style-outline is-style-outline--1\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background\" href=\"https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/il-metodo\/\" style=\"border-radius:100px;background-color:#0abab5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-white-color\">Voglio Scoprire Il Metodo Di MPEC<\/mark><\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>To gain more confidence when using English at work, getting familiar with these Business Idioms can be one of the best solutions. See, when you hear one of these expressions for the first time, they can really get you off track. And if you start doubting your comprehension skills, your performance may suffer in consequence. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":6737,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ocean_front_end_style_editor":"no","ocean_post_layout":"","ocean_both_sidebars_style":"","ocean_both_sidebars_content_width":0,"ocean_both_sidebars_sidebars_width":0,"ocean_sidebar":"0","ocean_second_sidebar":"0","ocean_disable_margins":"enable","ocean_add_body_class":"","ocean_shortcode_before_top_bar":"","ocean_shortcode_after_top_bar":"","ocean_shortcode_before_header":"","ocean_shortcode_after_header":"","ocean_has_shortcode":"","ocean_shortcode_after_title":"","ocean_shortcode_before_footer_widgets":"","ocean_shortcode_after_footer_widgets":"","ocean_shortcode_before_footer_bottom":"","ocean_shortcode_after_footer_bottom":"","ocean_display_top_bar":"default","ocean_display_header":"default","ocean_header_style":"","ocean_center_header_left_menu":"0","ocean_custom_header_template":"0","ocean_custom_logo":0,"ocean_custom_retina_logo":0,"ocean_custom_logo_max_width":0,"ocean_custom_logo_tablet_max_width":0,"ocean_custom_logo_mobile_max_width":0,"ocean_custom_logo_max_height":0,"ocean_custom_logo_tablet_max_height":0,"ocean_custom_logo_mobile_max_height":0,"ocean_header_custom_menu":"0","ocean_menu_typo_font_family":"0","ocean_menu_typo_font_subset":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_size":0,"ocean_menu_typo_font_size_tablet":0,"ocean_menu_typo_font_size_mobile":0,"ocean_menu_typo_font_size_unit":"px","ocean_menu_typo_font_weight":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_weight_tablet":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_weight_mobile":"","ocean_menu_typo_transform":"","ocean_menu_typo_transform_tablet":"","ocean_menu_typo_transform_mobile":"","ocean_menu_typo_line_height":0,"ocean_menu_typo_line_height_tablet":0,"ocean_menu_typo_line_height_mobile":0,"ocean_menu_typo_line_height_unit":"","ocean_menu_typo_spacing":0,"ocean_menu_typo_spacing_tablet":0,"ocean_menu_typo_spacing_mobile":0,"ocean_menu_typo_spacing_unit":"","ocean_menu_link_color":"","ocean_menu_link_color_hover":"","ocean_menu_link_color_active":"","ocean_menu_link_background":"","ocean_menu_link_hover_background":"","ocean_menu_link_active_background":"","ocean_menu_social_links_bg":"","ocean_menu_social_hover_links_bg":"","ocean_menu_social_links_color":"","ocean_menu_social_hover_links_color":"","ocean_disable_title":"default","ocean_disable_heading":"default","ocean_post_title":"","ocean_post_subheading":"","ocean_post_title_style":"","ocean_post_title_background_color":"","ocean_post_title_background":0,"ocean_post_title_bg_image_position":"","ocean_post_title_bg_image_attachment":"","ocean_post_title_bg_image_repeat":"","ocean_post_title_bg_image_size":"","ocean_post_title_height":0,"ocean_post_title_bg_overlay":0.5,"ocean_post_title_bg_overlay_color":"","ocean_disable_breadcrumbs":"default","ocean_breadcrumbs_color":"","ocean_breadcrumbs_separator_color":"","ocean_breadcrumbs_links_color":"","ocean_breadcrumbs_links_hover_color":"","ocean_display_footer_widgets":"default","ocean_display_footer_bottom":"default","ocean_custom_footer_template":"0","osh_disable_topbar_sticky":"default","osh_disable_header_sticky":"default","osh_sticky_header_style":"default","osh_sticky_header_effect":"","osh_custom_sticky_logo":0,"osh_custom_retina_sticky_logo":0,"osh_custom_sticky_logo_height":0,"osh_background_color":"","osh_links_color":"","osh_links_hover_color":"","osh_links_active_color":"","osh_links_bg_color":"","osh_links_hover_bg_color":"","osh_links_active_bg_color":"","osh_menu_social_links_color":"","osh_menu_social_hover_links_color":"","ocean_post_oembed":"","ocean_post_self_hosted_media":"","ocean_post_video_embed":"","ocean_link_format":"","ocean_link_format_target":"self","ocean_quote_format":"","ocean_quote_format_link":"post","ocean_gallery_link_images":"off","ocean_gallery_id":[6737],"footnotes":""},"categories":[246,1],"tags":[100,63,102,101],"class_list":["post-6707","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-comunicazione-efficace","category-tips","tag-business","tag-coaching","tag-listening","tag-speaking","entry","has-media"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6707","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6707"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6707\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6737"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mpec.it\/softskills\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6707"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"categ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