Ever get lost in business meetings when they’re through English? Hear those native phrases being thrown around and you just don’t get the premise? Or, you have an important point to bring up, but you just don’t know the best way to get your point across? Well, you’re in luck! We have the blog for you!
Fluency goes beyond just knowing vocabulary and grammar; understanding native phrases and idioms can enhance your communication in business meetings. Let’s explore 20 essential native phrases, their meanings, and how to use them effectively in a professional setting.
No, this isn’t used when referring to which page you are on in your booklet or meeting minutes. This is used metaphorically. You aren’t literally on the same page of a document, but you have a shared understanding or agreement on a certain topic.
This is used more than you think! Even with native speakers, things can get miscommunicated in business meetings. When somebody asks the team if they’re all on the same page, this ensures that everyone is in agreement with the next moves and understands the assignments. This is also your green flag to speak up and get something clarified if you’re not quite sure. Because this is a chance for reiteration, explanation, or a time to change a course of action, we’d rate this native phrase the most important.
Example: “Before we proceed, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page.”
Sounds like a baseball term right? Well, that’s because it originally is! Don’t get it confused though in business. Again, this is an idiom that is nothing what it seems. To touch base is to briefly meet or discuss something. It’s basically a really little meeting with perhaps 2 to 4 people to “check-in”. This can also be done by an email. You can use this while getting back in contact with people (either customers or coworkers) to confirm or check something.
This gives off a nice feeling to the recipient because it says to them that you won’t take up much of their time. It’s a lovely idiom to have and it does have a friendly tone to it. Really handy to have int he back pocket!
Example: “I’ll touch base with you after the meeting to finalize the details.”
“Take it offline” is probably a saying you’ve heard in movies about physically removing a piece of content offline. In business, you’ll normally hear this during an online meeting when there are more than 2 people on the call. When you hear this, the person saying it wants to discuss something privately or outside the current meeting.
Honestly, if you hear this from a boss, it could mean trouble. Listen out for the tone behind the saying though as this isn’t always the case. It could just mean that the topic in hand is not really that important to the others on the call and they want to keep the meeting productive.
Example: “This is a complex issue; let’s take it offline.”
Circling back to something is to return to a previous point or topic. You’ll hear this quite a lot as tasks are never quite done and we’ll always need to discuss company matters more than once. This is also a good saying if you’re not quite sure how to respond to a question and you can just ask them if we can circle back to it at a later stage while you get a “concrete” or absolute answer for them.
This native phrase helps to keep the discussion flowing and let’s the team in the business meeting know that the topic will be brought up again. This could also be used
Example: “We can circle back to that topic later if we have time.”
In business, you won’t always be expected to provide exact numbers on the spot. That’s where a “ballpark figure” comes in handy. This phrase refers to a rough estimate, not meant to be accurate down to the cent but good enough to set expectations. For example, if someone asks about the cost of a project, you can provide a ballpark figure to give a general sense without being pinned to specifics. It’s a useful way to keep the conversation moving while indicating that more precise information will follow later.
Example: “Can you give me a ballpark figure for the project costs?”
When the pressure is on to make a significant impact, you’ll often hear people talk about needing to “move the needle.” This expression means making a noticeable difference in performance, progress, or results. It implies that minor tweaks won’t cut it—you need something substantial to change.
For example, a company might use it when talking about strategies that could drive major growth or revenue. It’s a powerful phrase that highlights the importance of meaningful action in achieving goals.
Example: “We need a strategy that will really move the needle this quarter.”
Creativity is highly valued in business, and when someone asks you to “think outside the box,” they’re asking for unconventional ideas. It encourages innovation, pushing beyond traditional solutions to find new approaches to challenges. This phrase is often used during brainstorming sessions or when a company is looking to stand out from competitors. By thinking outside the box, you can generate fresh, innovative solutions that might not be immediately obvious, setting your team apart.
Example: “We’re looking for someone who can think outside the box for this campaign.”
Every successful business initiative starts with a solid “game plan.” This phrase refers to a strategic approach or a detailed plan of action to achieve a particular goal. Just as in sports, where teams develop tactics to win games, businesses create game plans to launch products, enter new markets, or solve problems. Having a clear game plan ensures everyone is aligned and working toward the same objective, making the path to success much more organized and achievable.
Example: “Let’s develop a game plan for the product launch.”
In certain situations, there’s no room for flexibility—things need to be done “by the book.” This means following rules, guidelines, or procedures strictly without deviation. This phrase is particularly important when dealing with legal issues, compliance, or regulations, where failure to follow protocols could have serious consequences. In business, doing things by the book ensures that everything is done properly, minimizing risks and maintaining accountability.
Example: “We need to do this by the book to avoid any legal issues.”
When a new employee or team member is expected to start being productive immediately, the phrase “hit the ground running” is often used. This means jumping into a project or role with energy and efficiency from day one. It’s a compliment to those with experience and the ability to adapt quickly. Businesses use this expression when they need someone who doesn’t require much training and can contribute right away, especially in high-stakes or fast-moving environments.
Example: “With your experience, you’ll be able to hit the ground running.”
Staying “in the loop” is crucial for effective teamwork. This phrase means being kept informed about decisions, updates, or changes within a project or organization. It’s essential for ensuring that all relevant parties are aware of developments and can contribute as needed. When you ask to be kept in the loop, you’re emphasizing the importance of communication and collaboration, ensuring no one is left out of important conversations or decisions.
Example: “Please keep me in the loop on any developments.”
In negotiations or partnerships, a “win-win situation” is the ideal outcome. This phrase refers to a scenario where all parties involved benefit from the decision or agreement. We use this phrase in discussions about deals, collaborations, or strategies that are mutually advantageous. A win-win situation builds goodwill and fosters long-term relationships, as everyone walks away feeling like they’ve gained something valuable from the arrangement.
Example: “This partnership is a win-win situation for both companies.”
In the fast-paced business world, not every task can be a top priority. When something is placed “on the back burner,” it’s being postponed or deprioritized for the time being. This doesn’t mean it’s forgotten; it just means there are more pressing matters that need attention first. For example, a team might put a less critical project on the back burner while they focus on a deadline for a major client. It’s a useful phrase for managing workload and prioritizing tasks effectively.
Example: “Let’s put that project on the back burner for now.”
Time is often limited in meetings, and when someone says “cut to the chase,” they’re asking you to get straight to the point. This phrase encourages brevity and clarity, skipping over unnecessary details to focus on the main issue at hand. It’s particularly useful in business when efficiency is key, and people need to make decisions quickly. Using this phrase can help streamline conversations and ensure that the most important topics are addressed without wasting time.
Example: “Let’s cut to the chase—what’s the main issue?”
To “raise the bar” means to set a higher standard or expectation. It’s a challenge to improve performance, quality, or results in a particular area. Whether it’s customer service, product development, or team efficiency, raising the bar pushes individuals or teams to strive for excellence. We use this native phrase in leadership or goal-setting contexts, encouraging everyone to go beyond what’s currently being done and aim for something better.
Example: “We need to raise the bar with our customer service.”
When someone “goes the extra mile,” they’re making an exceptional effort beyond what is expected. In business, this can mean putting in additional time, delivering superior service, or taking extra steps to ensure success. It’s a phrase often associated with dedication and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome. For instance, a company that goes the extra mile for its clients typically builds strong relationships and a positive reputation.
Example: “Our team always goes the extra mile to satisfy clients.”
In any business setting, it’s important not to get bogged down by details at the expense of losing sight of “the big picture.” This phrase refers to the overall vision or long-term goal of a project or organization. Focusing on the big picture helps teams understand how their current work fits into broader objectives, ensuring that decisions are aligned with strategic goals. It’s a valuable reminder to consider how individual tasks contribute to overall success.
Example: “Let’s not lose sight of the big picture while working on the details.”
Risk management is a crucial part of business strategy, and the phrase “put all your eggs in one basket” serves as a warning against relying too heavily on a single venture or approach. If all resources are focused on one effort and it fails, you could have severe consequences. This phrase encourages diversification and cautious planning to mitigate risks. It’s particularly relevant in investment, business development, and strategy discussions.
Example: “It’s risky to put all your eggs in one basket; we should diversify.”
Being “on the ball” means being alert, responsive, and efficient. In business, we often use this phrase to describe someone who is sharp and capable, able to handle tasks quickly and competently. It’s a compliment that acknowledges someone’s readiness and attention to detail. A team member who is on the ball can be trusted to manage important responsibilities without much oversight, making them a valuable asset to any organization.
Example: “We need someone who is really on the ball for this project.”
When someone asks you to summarize something “in a nutshell,” they’re asking for a concise, boiled-down version of a complex issue. This phrase is useful in business when there’s a need to convey information quickly and clearly without diving into all the details. For instance, if you’re briefing a manager on a project’s progress, providing the key points “in a nutshell” helps ensure that they get the most important information efficiently.
Example: “In a nutshell, we need to improve our marketing strategy.”
Understanding and using native phrases in business meetings can greatly enhance your communication. These phrases often carry nuances and cultural significance that are crucial for effective interaction. They can make your speech sound more natural, increase your credibility, and help you build rapport with colleagues and clients.
Using these phrases can help you navigate complex business discussions, negotiate more effectively, and contribute more meaningfully to team dynamics. They can also prevent misunderstandings that might arise from language barriers, ensuring that your intentions are clear.
In the fast-paced world of business, continuous improvement is key. Whether you’re a non-native speaker or someone looking to polish your language skills, regularly updating your vocabulary and understanding of idiomatic expressions is essential. English is an evolving language, and staying current will keep you competitive in the global marketplace.
To help you master these and other important phrases, join our upcoming webinar on August 29th, 2024, where we’ll delve deeper into native phrases used in business meetings. If you missed it, don’t worry—join our YouTube channel today to watch it anytime. Staying informed and continuously learning will ensure you’re always ready for your next meeting.
