Expressions in American Business

Understanding and using common American business expressions will help you share ideas clearly and efficiently in professional settings. Although not exhaustive, the below list is intended to be a comprehensive overview of some of the most frequently used phrases in US business environments, and will help you enhance both your casual and formal discussions in the workplace.

• [to rule (something) out] to decide against (something/an option) // to choose not to do (something)
  • We’ve ruled out proposal A because it would be too expensive / because we don’t have the resources to carry it out. We are going with proposal B.
    • Related: [to go with (something)] to choose or move forward with (something)
• [to carry (something) out] to execute/implement/see through to completion
  • The research team will carry out experiments to test their hypothesis.
  • The team is prepared to carry out the necessary steps to launch the new product.
    • Similar: [to see (something) through]
• [to stay on top of (something)]
  • I will have to stay on top of this project so nothing goes wrong.
  • I have to stay on top of my son to be sure he does his homework.
  • Related: [to stay ahead of (something)] to always be aware of what’s going on and what could happen]
• [(to be) on the ball]
  • The new employee is doing such a great job. He is really on the ball.
  • I think he will be on the ball when he starts the job.
  • It’s been a great week with the new employee. She’s really on the ball.
  • You are really on the ball with your project.
• [to keep your eye on (something)] to watch and monitor
  • To maintain a healthy lifestyle, it’s essential to keep your eye on your diet and exercise regularly.
  • During negotiations, it’s crucial to keep your eye on the terms and conditions to protect your interests.
• [to keep your eye on the ball] to stay focused on the process
  • There are too many projects going on with the marketing team. We need to keep our eye on the ball and focus on this project.
  • In a fast-paced work environment, it’s important to remain attentive and keep your eye on the ball to meet deadlines.
• [to keep your eye on the prize] to stay focused on the final goal
  • When working on a project, it’s essential to prioritize tasks and keep your eye on the prize of completing the project successfully.
  • Entrepreneurs need to keep their eye on the prize of building a successful business, even in the face of setbacks.
• [to think outside the box]
  • Let’s think outside the box and try to come up with a creative solution that we haven’t tried before.
  • My colleague is really brilliant. He always thinks outside the box.
• [to get the ball rolling]
  • I really need to finish this report so I can get the ball rolling on my next project.
  • Since the launch, we have run into several hiccups. Engineers are trying to fix the bugs. I think we should get the timeline rolling for the next app update.
  • The app currently has some bugs and the engineering team is working to fix the bugs. Once they fix the bugs, we need to get the ball rolling on updating the app.
    • Related: [to kick (something) off]
• [to roll (something) out] / [to go live]
  • We can roll out the update as soon as the engineers finalize it.
  • I think we need to roll out the upcoming release.
• [to lay (something) out]
  • We laid out a plan for the product rollout.
  • Related: “Lay it on me” tell me everything about it.
    • “I have some concerns about the current device testing.”
    • “Okay, lay it on me.” “Lay it out for me.”
• [to home in (on something)] to target/figure out a target
  • After analyzing the data, the researchers were able to home in on the exact cause of the issue. (precisely identify)
• [to narrow (something) down]
  • I received many suggestions, but I need to narrow down my choices before making a final decision
• [to whittle (something) down]
  • The selection committee had a challenging task of reviewing all the applications and whittling them down to the top candidates.
• [to brainstorm]
  • Do you have a few minutes to discuss the new client’s marketing needs? I want to brainstorm about ways we can deliver their brand message.
  • We often have a brainstorming session with the design team to come up with the product specs.
• [to pull strings] to exert influence
  • I thought it would be impossible to get the approvals from HQ before next week, but my supervisor pulled some strings and HQ sent the approvals today.
    • [HQ] “Headquarters” (even if singular)
  • I thanked my boss’s boss for pulling strings and coordinating with other team members to get this project rolling. / to get the ball rolling on the project.
• [to step on (someone’s) toes]
  • “I apologize if I stepped on anyone’s toes during the meeting, but I wanted to express my concerns about the project timeline.”
• [to circumvent (a person/a process)]
  • “We need to find a way to circumvent the approval process to expedite the release of our new product.”
  • Similar: [to go around (someone)]
    • “In order to avoid potential conflicts, it’s best not to go around your colleagues and seek their input before making a major decision.”
  • Similar: [to sidestep (a person/a process)]
    • “The manager decided to sidestep the traditional hierarchy and directly approach the CEO with their innovative idea.”
• [(to be) multitasking]
  • He was often multitasking, and doing several different things at once.
  • I feel like the new generation is very good at multitasking.
• [to be a Swiss army knife], [to be a jack-of-all-trades], [to wear many hats]
• [to bite off more than you can chew] take on more work than you can do
  • I think the department bit off more than it could chew when they accepted so many projects at once.
  • I feel like our team has too many projects and we bit off more than we could chew.
  • I think I bit off more than I could chew with this project.
  • Related: [to have a lot on (one’s) plate]

• [to cut corners] sacrificing quality
  • We need to cut our budget without cutting corners, because the quality of our work must remain very high.
  • The company tried to cut corners to increase the product revenue/profitability.
• [(to take) a shortcut]
  • The R&D team took a shortcut and came up with a product in time, but the quality was compromised. 
• [to go back to the drawing board] to come up with a new plan
  • The city didn’t approve our building plans because of the foundation size. I guess we have to go back to the drawing board and redesign it.
  • This new approach didn’t go anywhere. I think we should go back to the drawing board and come up with another solution.
  • (related: [(to be) back at square one] / [to go back to square one])
• [to call it a day] to stop working
  • I can’t believe it’s already 7 p.m. We have been working for 11 hours straight. Let’s call it a day and go home. We 
• [workflow]
  • Updating our internal communication process will really streamline our workflow, and help us get things done more quickly.
• [to touch base], [to touch base with (someone)]
  • I will touch base with our client to see what she thinks of the changes we sent over yesterday.
• [to reach out (to someone)]
  • Let’s reach out to the customer’s design team to see if they have been coordinating with the marketing director on this.
• [to keep (someone) in the loop]
  • Thanks for the update! I appreciate you keeping me in the loop.
  • Please keep me in the loop, and let me know when we hit each milestone.
• [to drill down into (something)]
  • To look closely / research 
• [to have (not done something) as of yet] / [as of yet, to have (not done something)]
  • We have not sent the design as of yet.
  • As of yet, we have not received the client’s updates.
• [forward planning]
  • We must practice a great deal of forward planning throughout this project.
• [at the end of the day]
  • At the end of the day, he did everything he could to please the client.
    • Similar: “when all is said and done”
• [(to be) proactive]
  • It’s important to be proactive and anticipate potential issues before they arise.
• [an action item]
  • One of the action items from the meeting is to finalize the project timeline.
• [to action (something)]
  • Please action the customer’s request and provide a response within 24 hours.
• [(to be) actionable] / [(to be) an actionable (task/goal)]
  • The team identified several actionable steps to improve customer satisfaction.
  • Increasing sales by 10% within the next quarter is an actionable goal.
• [to cut to the chase] skip the unimportant information and give me the information thatI really need
  • Let’s cut to the chase and discuss the main points of the proposal.
  • Similar: [to get to the point] 
• [to get (the ball/something) rolling]: To initiate or start a process or activity.
  • We need someone to volunteer and get the ball rolling on organizing the event.
• [to stay ahead of the curve]: To remain more advanced, informed, or prepared than others in a particular field or area, often by anticipating or responding to changes and trends before they occur.
  • In the fast-paced tech industry, it’s crucial to stay ahead of the curve and adopt new technologies early.
• [to do due diligence]: To exercise a reasonable amount of care, thoroughness, and investigation in order to gather all necessary information or facts before making a decision or taking action. “doo doo DIL-lih-jins”
  • Before signing the contract, it’s important to do due diligence and thoroughly research the company.
• [a best practice]: A method or technique that is widely accepted as the most effective or efficient way to accomplish a particular task or achieve a desired outcome.
  • Regularly backing up your data is considered a best practice for data security.
• [to upskill (someone)]: To improve or enhance someone’s skills, knowledge, or abilities, typically through training, education, or professional development programs.
  • The company invested in training programs to upskill its employees and enhance their expertise.
• [(to be) dynamic]: Characterized by constant change, activity, or progress; energetic and adaptable.
  • A dynamic leader adapts to changing circumstances and motivates the team.
• [to streamline (something)]: To simplify, optimize, or make more efficient a process, system, or organization by removing unnecessary steps, reducing complexity, or eliminating redundancies.
  • We need to streamline our production process to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• [to align (something) with (something else)]: To adjust or arrange something in such a way that it corresponds or matches with something else, usually to achieve consistency or harmony.
  • We should align our marketing strategy with the company’s overall objectives.
• [to align with (something)]: To support or agree with a particular idea, belief, or cause.
  • Our team’s goals align with the organization’s mission to provide exceptional customer service.
• [to go the extra mile (for someone/something)]: To make additional effort or take extra steps to achieve a goal or provide assistance beyond what is expected or required.
  • The dedicated employee always goes the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction.
  • Similar: [to go above and beyond]
• [to expedite (something)]: To speed up or accelerate the progress or completion of something.
  • To meet the deadline, we need to expedite the production process.
• [(to be) down the line]: In the future, at a later time or stage.
  • The decision on the project’s budget will be made further down the line.
• [to do (something) down the line]: To do something at a later time or stage.
  • Let’s focus on the immediate tasks and address the other issues down the line.
• [to micromanage (something/someone)]: To excessively control or oversee every small detail of something or someone.
  • It’s not effective to micromanage every aspect of the project; trust your team to deliver.
• [going forward]: In the future, from this point onward.
  • Going forward, please keep me in the loop on this project.
• [to let (someone/something) go]: To allow someone or something to depart, leave, or be released; to give up on something.
  • Unfortunately, we had to let go of some employees due to restructuring.
  • Although he had been upset with his contractor for failing to meet their deadlines, he decided to let it go and try to move forward with their future work without dwelling on their past frustrations. 
• [to (do something) by end of day/EOD]: To complete a task or action by the end of the working day.
  • Please submit your report to me by end of day.
• [to (do something) by close of business/COB]: To complete a task or action by the end of the business operating hours.
  • Make sure to complete the task by close of business today.

• [to learn the ropes]: To learn or understand the basics or fundamentals of a job, task, or new environment.
  • As a new employee, it will take some time to learn the ropes and understand how things work here.
• [(to be) trial by fire]: To undergo a challenging or difficult experience that tests one’s abilities or character.
  • The new manager faced a trial by fire when she took over a struggling department.
• [a win-win situation]: A situation or outcome that benefits all parties involved.
  • The partnership between the two companies is a win-win situation for both, as it expands their market reach.
• [to hit the ground running]: To start a project or job quickly and energetically without any delays.
  • The new team member quickly adapted and hit the ground running, contributing to the project from day one.

• [to get (something) off the ground]: To initiate or launch a project or idea.
  • The team worked hard to get the new project off the ground and it’s now in full swing.
• [(to be) groundbreaking]: Innovative, pioneering, or introducing new and significant ideas or methods.
  • The company’s new technology is truly groundbreaking and will revolutionize the industry.
• [to pencil (something) in]: To tentatively schedule or plan something without finalizing the details.
  • Let’s pencil in a meeting for next Wednesday to discuss the project details.
• [to brainstorm] To generate ideas or solutions through group discussion or individual thinking.
  • We need to brainstorm ideas for our marketing campaign and come up with creative strategies.
• [a no-brainer] Something that is very obvious or easy to understand or decide.
  • Investing in high-quality training for employees is a no-brainer; it leads to improved productivity and performance.
• [to raise the bar] To set higher standards or expectations for performance or quality.
  • The team’s outstanding performance has raised the bar for excellence within the organization.
• [a long shot] A task or goal that is unlikely to succeed or achieve the desired outcome.
  • Winning the lottery is a long shot, but it’s still fun to dream about.
• [to pull the plug (on something)] to stop, end, or do away with a process or plan
  • The company decided to pull the plug on the underperforming product and focus on other opportunities.
• [to put the brakes on] To slow down or halt the progress or development of something.
  • Due to budget constraints, we need to put the brakes on hiring new employees for now.
• [to go through the roof] To increase or rise dramatically, usually in reference to emotions, prices, or statistics, or to become extremely angry.
  • After the announcement of the new product, sales went through the roof, surpassing all expectations.
  • Our team lead went through the roof when I told him about the new recruit’s accounting mistake.
• [to fit (an approach)] To be suitable or appropriate for a particular situation, context, or purpose.
  • An agile methodology would fit well with our fast-paced development approach.
• [to embrace (something/someone)] To accept, adopt, or support something or someone enthusiastically.
  • The company decided to embrace sustainability and implemented eco-friendly practices.
• [to make it past (something)] to increase beyond an amount, to extend/move beyond a date or place
  • We need to make it past our Q3 revenue target before the end of the month.
• [to make it past (something)] To successfully overcome or move beyond a difficulty, obstacle, or challenge.
  • Despite facing numerous challenges, the team managed to make it past the final round of the competition.
• [to have yet to (do something)] To have not done something up until the present time.
  • We have yet to finalize our reports for the quarter.
• [a ballpark number/figure/estimate] An approximate or rough number or estimate.
  • Can you give me a ballpark figure of how much the project will cost?
• [to ballpark (something)] To provide or make an approximate or rough estimate.
  • I can ballpark the time it will take to complete the task, but it’s not an exact estimate.
• [to hit (something) out of the park] To achieve outstanding success or surpass expectations.
  • Her presentation was outstanding and she hit it out of the park with her delivery.
• [to come up to speed] To reach the level of knowledge, understanding, or proficiency required.
  • I’m new to this project, but I’ll review the documentation to come up to speed quickly.
• [to bring (someone) up to speed] To update or inform someone about the latest information or developments.
  • Please bring me up to speed on the latest developments regarding the client’s requirements.
• [to keep (one’s) eye on the ball] To stay focused and attentive to the task or objective at hand.
  • In order to meet the deadline, we need to stay focused and keep our eye on the ball.
• [to (learn something) by word of mouth] To learn or acquire information through informal communication or through others.
  • I heard about the job opening by word of mouth; someone mentioned it to me in a conversation.
• [(to be) word of mouth] Information or rumors spread through informal communication between people.
  • The popularity of the new restaurant spread through word of mouth.
• [to give (someone) a hand] To help or assist someone.
  • If you need any assistance, feel free to ask. I’m here to give you a hand.
• [to give (someone) a lot of rope] To give someone a lot of freedom or autonomy in their actions or decisions.
  • The manager trusts his team and gives them a lot of rope to make decisions independently.