Business Idioms connected to Colours
Business Idioms/expressions are very commonly used in the British English workplace. They are often connected to themes such as sports, animals, the sea and many other areas of activity. This blog looks at eleven business idioms connected to colours that you will commonly hear used in the UK.
1) Once in a blue moon.
Meaning: This expression is used to describe something that rarely happens. In business it would perhaps be a great commercial opportunity
Example: “We get big government contracts once in a blue moon, I wish we could get more!”
2) Grey area
Meaning: An ill-defined (unclear) situation that does not have a clear answer or outcome.
Example: “The legal battle with our supplier is centred on a grey area, neither party is able to provide conclusive evidence that proves who is right “
3) A red flag.
Meaning: This phrase indicates a warning or risk. It implies danger in some form, such as an unwanted issue or problem.The “red flag” is a marker so people can be aware of potential risks.
Example: “I saw some red flags when investing in this stock. The market was too volatile, and there was too much risk for me to decide”
4) To give someone the green light.
Meaning:To “give somebody the green light” is to approve something or encourage a person to move forward with their plans. The phrase is derived from the “traffic lights” system, in which a green light signals that it is safe to continue.
Example: “The board of directors gave the green light to my proposal, so now I’m ready to start implementing it”.
5) In the black.
Meaning: The idiom “in the black” means doing very well financially or having a good money situation. It is the opposite of being “in the red,” and is typically referring to businesses or companies.
Example: “The company was about to close down before they changed their strategy – now they are in the black again and more successful than ever!”
6) A golden handshake.
Meaning:This phrase describes a large sum of money given as compensation for somebody leaving or retiring from their job. It could also incentivise someone to work hard and stay with the company in exchange for a financial reward.
Example: “He negotiated himself a golden handshake when his contract finished – it was double what he had expected!”.
7) Out of the blue.
Meaning:“Out of the blue” suggests that something happened unexpectedly. Usually, it implies the thing that occurred was not planned or expected and greatly surprised people.
Example: “Out of the blue our biggest client doubled their product order with us, it was totally unexpected great news!”
8) Black or white.
Meaning: You may have heard someone say, “It’s black or white; there is no grey area.” This idiom refers to situations with only two possible outcomes – good/bad or yes/no or accept/don’t accept. The phrase suggests that essentially we must decide between these two options there is no ambiguity.
Example: “The choice was clear; it was black or white, so I had no other option but to accept the terms they proposed”.
9) To roll out the red carpet.
Meaning: “Rolling out the red carpet” describes the special treatment or hospitality that someone receives. Usually, it means going above and beyond to ensure the person or group feels special, welcomed and appreciated.
Example: “The company rolled out the red carpet for the CEO’s visit – they had a fantastic welcome lunch at a top restaurant overlooking the City of London”.
10 Golden opportunity.
Meaning: A “golden opportunity” refers to a great chance or offer that might not come again in your lifetime, and so you should seize it willingly with both hands.
Example: “Roger sees this as his golden opportunity for success – he must take all steps necessary to ensure nothing goes wrong along the way”.
11) Red tape.
Meaning: “Red tape” is one of the color expressions used to describe bureaucratic processes that take too long or cause unnecessary delays. It implies the presence of annoying rules and regulations that can make accomplishing something more complicated than it needs to be.
Example: “The government was so inefficient and full of red tape. I had to undergo months of paperwork before finally getting my work visa approved”.
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