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Improve your business English vocabulary, learn common workplace idioms, and strengthen your professional English communication skills with this comprehensive list of English idioms used at work. These English expressions for the workplace appear in meetings, emails, presentations, teamwork, project management, and everyday office conversations.
1. Break the Ice
Definition: To start a relaxed conversation.
Example: Sarah told a story to break the ice during the meeting.
2. Hit the Ground Running
Definition: To begin a task with speed, energy, and confidence — a useful
expression in business English communication.
Example: The new employee hit the ground running after his training.
3. Think Outside the Box
Definition: To think creatively and offer unique solutions.
Example: The team thought outside the box during the product launch planning.
4. Get the Ball Rolling
Definition: To start a project or process.
Example: Let’s get the ball rolling by scheduling our first meeting.
5. Burn the Midnight Oil
Definition: To work late into the night — common in many English for professionals environments.
Example: The team burned the midnight oil to finish the project.
6. Call It a Day
Definition: To stop working for the day.
Example: After finishing the report, John called it a day.
7. On the Same Page
Definition: To share the same understanding, crucial in professional communication.
Example: Let’s make sure we’re on the same page about the budget.
8. Cut to the Chase
Definition: To get to the point quickly.
Example: Can you cut to the chase and explain what you need?
9. In the Loop
Definition: To stay informed — a very common workplace English phrase.
Example: Keep me in the loop about the project changes.
10. Touch Base
Definition: To check in with someone briefly.
Example: I’ll touch base with you next week about your progress.
11. The Ball Is in Your Court
Definition: It’s your turn to take action.
Example: The ball is in your court now — please decide the next step.
12. Go the Extra Mile
Definition: To put in extra effort at work.
Example: The customer service team always goes the extra mile.
13. Keep Your Eye on the Ball
Definition: To stay focused on an important goal.
Example: With deadlines coming, keep your eye on the ball.
14. Jump on the Bandwagon
Definition: To join a popular trend.
Example: Many companies jumped on the bandwagon after the software became successful.
15. A Win-Win Situation
Definition: A situation where all sides benefit — common in business English expressions.
Example: The collaboration created a win-win situation for everyone.
16. Read Between the Lines
Definition: To understand hidden meaning.
Example: Sometimes you need to read between the lines during performance reviews.
17. Pulling Your Weight
Definition: Doing your fair share of work.
Example: Everyone must be pulling their weight for the project to succeed.
18. Put All Your Eggs in One Basket
Definition: To risk everything on one plan.
Example: Experts suggest not putting all your eggs in one basket.
19. Bite the Bullet
Definition: To face a difficult situation bravely.
Example: The team bit the bullet and decided to invest in new technology.
20. The Whole Nine Yards
Definition: To make the maximum effort.
Example: The team went the whole nine yards for the product launch.
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professional English communication
English phrases for work
business English expressions
English for the workplace
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