Useful expressions for Business English

Useful expressions for Business English

By Micheli Naka

❖ 24/7: means 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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❖ A tough break: When something unfortunate happens, it can be called a "tough break."

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❖ Ahead of the curve: To be "ahead of the curve" means to be more advanced than the competition.

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❖ Ahead of the pack: To be "ahead of the pack" means to be better or more successful than the competition.

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❖ ASAP: "ASAP" is an acronym for "as soon as possible."

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❖ At stake: It means at risk.

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❖ Back to square one: To go "back to square one" means to start something over again.

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​❖ Back to the drawing board: It means to start something over and go back to the planning stage.

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❖ backroom deal: It`s an agreement or decision that is made without the public knowing about it.

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❖ ballpark number/figure: A "ballpark number" is a very inexact estimate.

❖ get down to business: It means to stop making small talk and start talking about serious topics related to business.

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❖ start off on the right foot: To "start off on the right foot" means to start something in a positive way.

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❖ play hardball: To "play hardball" means to be competitive in a cruel and merciless way. Playing hardball means doing anything possible to win.

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❖ safe bet: A "safe bet" means something that will probably happen.

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​❖ win-win situation: A "win-win situation" is a situation where everyone involved gains something

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