Body Idioms in Business English
We use idioms all the time in English, and this includes Business English. Very often, they are grouped around certain themes like sport, animals, the sea. One of the greatest sources of such idioms is the human body! Here are 10 idioms you will definitely hear in an English speaking workplace!
1) Word of mouth
Meaning: A product, service or company is recommended by people talking about it or telling people about it
Example: Due to our very high quality standards, most of our customers are through word of mouth
2) See eye to eye
Meaning: To agree with somebody
Example: The senior management all see eye to eye on the new marketing strategy
3) Hands are tied
Meaning: Not being free to behave in the way that you would like
Example: “I’m very sorry that you’re not happy with our service, but my hands are tied, there’s nothing more I can do
4) Have a finger in every pie
Meaning: To be involved in many different projects and ventures
Example: Everywhere Corporation have a finger in every pie: they’re involved in everything from food manufacturing to IT and children’s toys
5) A shot in the arm
Meaning: A sudden input of assistance, usually financial
Example: Our company had big cash-flow problems for some time, but we were given a shot in the arm by some foreign investors who saw the potential in the UK market
6) A knee-jerk reaction
Meaning: An impulsive reaction, without thinking
Example: Making 50% of the workforce redundant was a knee-jerk reaction to the poor financial result for fiscal year 2023.
7) On the back of…
Meaning: To succeed as a result of some external factors.
Example: Our IT company has done well on the back of the increase in internet speed
8) Our lips are sealed!
Meaning: A promise of confidentiality
Example: “Oh don’t worry, until the press release announcing the merger our lips are sealed!”
9) A kick in the teeth
Meaning: A serious, often humiliating or damaging blow.
Example: It was a real kick in the teeth when we lost the government contract we’ve had for over 10 years
10) To have a nose for
Meaning: To possess a good instinct for successful measures or strategies
Example: “You know Max has an excellent nose for a good opportunity, he’s been right on a number of occasions
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