In last week’s article, we explored why business idioms are essential for adult English learners and introduced 12 common idioms used in the business world. To recap, many adults study English to enhance their careers and grow their international businesses. In today’s economy, being multilingual is a competitive advantage. As an online English teacher, you play a key role in helping your students stand out professionally.

This week, we’re back with twelve more business idioms you can share with your adult English learners. Encourage them to come up with their own examples and present them in class.

1) By the book

Meaning: Doing something strictly according to the rules and regulations.

Example: The inspector did everything by the book, checking every detail before approving the project.

2) Pencil someone in

Meaning: To make a temporary or tentative appointment with someone.

Example: Pencil me in for a meeting next Thursday, but we’ll confirm later this week.

3) Under the table

Meaning: Doing something secretively or unofficially, usually in a dishonest or illegal way.

Example: The contractor offered to do the job for cash under the table so he wouldn’t have to report it for taxes..

4) A full plate

Meaning: Having a lot of responsibilities, tasks, and commitments to handle.

Example: I’d love to help you with your project, but I already have quite a full plate with work deadlines and family commitments this week.

5) To cut corners

Meaning: To do something in the easiest, cheapest, and fast way possible, often by ignoring rules, skipping steps, or sacrificing quality.

Example: The construction workers cut corners by using low-quality materials, so now the roof is leaking.

6) Jack of all trades

Meaning: Someone who is skilled in many areas, but may not be an expert in any one area.

Example: She’s a jack of all trades. She can design, code, fix hardware issues, and even manage their social media accounts.

7) To drop the ball

Meaning: To make a mistake or fail to do something important.

Example: He really dropped the ball when he forgot to send our client the report on time.

8) Bounce back

Meaning: To recover quickly after a setback, difficulty, or failure.

Example: After losing the first two games, the team bounced back and won the championship.

9) Between a rock and a hard place

Meaning: Being faced with a very difficult situation where you have to make a tough decision.

Example: The employees were caught between a rock and hard place when the company asked them to take a pay cut or to risk losing their jobs.

10) From the ground up

Meaning: Starting something completely from the beginning.

Example: They built their business from the ground up, starting in just a small garage office.

11) Prices skyrocketed

Meaning: The price of something rose very quickly and sharply.

Example: Housing prices skyrocketed after some new tech companies moved into the city.

12) Win-win situation

Meaning: A scenario where all parties involved benefit or achieve positive outcomes.

Example: Allowing employees to work remotely is a win-win situation. They save time and money on the commute, and the company saves on office costs.

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We hope you enjoyed this article and will teach the idioms to your adult English students. Do you know any other business English idioms? Share them in the comments below!