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Learn MoreBusiness English Idioms: Everyday Office Communication
Rating: 5.0 out of 55.0(1 rating)
10 students
Business English Idioms: Everyday Office Communication
Speak naturally and confidently at work using real idioms from modern office English
Created byMatt Rudkin Fantastic Phrasal
Last updated 3/2026
English
What you'll learn
- Understand and use common business English idioms in real office situations.
- Speak naturally in meetings, emails, and casual conversations with colleagues.
- Know when and how to use idioms correctly, avoiding awkward mistakes.
- Boost your confidence and fluency in everyday workplace English.
- Build a strong foundation for learning more advanced business English idioms later.
Explore related topics
Course content
11 sections • 111 lectures • 1h 57m total length
- Introduction3:57
- Back to the Drawing Board: Presentation0:29
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “back to the drawing board” used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Back to the Drawing Board: Concept Check
- Back to the Drawing Board: Meaning, Origin, and Usage1:59
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “back to the drawing board”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Back to the Drawing Board: Meaning and Usage
- Get the Ball Rolling: Presentation0:42
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “get the ball rolling” used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Get the Ball Rolling: Concept Check
- Get the Ball Rolling: Meaning, Origin, and Usage1:41
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “get the ball rolling”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Get the Ball Rolling: Meaning and Usage
- Think Outside the Box: Presentation0:31
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “think outside the box” used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Think Outside the Box: Concept Check
- Think Outside the Box: Meaning, Origin, and Usage2:32
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “think outside the box”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Think Outside the Box: Meaning and Usage
- A Long Shot: Presentation0:30
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “a long shot” used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- A Long Shot: Concept Check
- A Long Shot: Meaning, Origin, and Usage1:59
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “a long shot”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- A Long Shot: Meaning and Usage
- The Big Picture: Presentation0:32
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “the big picture” used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- The Big Picture: Concept Check
- The Big Picture: Meaning, Origin, and Usage1:57
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “the big picture”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- The Big Picture: Meaning and Usage
- Getting Started and Planning
- Getting Started and Planning - Notes0:01
- In the Same Boat: Presentation0:24
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “in the same boat” used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- In the Same Boat: Concept Check
- In the Same Boat: Meaning, Origin, and Usage1:51
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “in the same boat”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- In the Same Boat: Meaning and Usage
- On the Same Page: Presentation0:42
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “on the same page” used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- On the Same Page: Concept Check
- On the Same Page: Meaning, Origin, and Usage1:39
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “on the same page”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- On the Same Page: Meaning and Usage
- In the Loop: Presentation0:20
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “in the loop" used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- In the Loop: Concept Check
- In the Loop: Meaning, Origin, and Usage1:51
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “in the loop”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- In the Loop: Meaning and Usage
- Keep Me Posted: Presentation0:25
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “keep me posted" used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Keep Me Posted: Concept Check
- Keep Me Posted: Meaning, Origin, and Usage1:42
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “keep me posted”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Keep Me Posted: Meaning and Usage
- On the Same Wavelength: Presentation0:18
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “on the same wavelength" used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- On the Same Wavelength: Concept Check
- On the Same Wavelength: Meaning, Origin, and Usage1:49
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “on the same wavelength”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- On the Same Wavelength: Meaning and Usage
- Teamwork and Communication
- Teamwork and Communication - Notes0:01
- Call it a Day: Presentation0:22
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “call it a day" used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Call it a Day: Concept Check
- Call it a Day: Meaning, Origin, and Usage1:47
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “call it a day”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Call it a Day: Meaning and Usage
- Behind Schedule: Presentation0:27
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “behind schedule" used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Behind Schedule: Concept Check
- Behind Schedule: Meaning, Origin, and Usage1:50
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “behind schedule”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Behind Schedule: Meaning and Usage
- In Full Swing: Presentation0:21
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “in full swing" used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- In Full Swing: Concept Check
- In Full Swing: Meaning, Origin, and Usage1:43
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “in full swing”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- In Full Swing: Meaning and Usage
- Up to Speed: Presentation0:25
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “up to speed" used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Up to Speed: Concept Check
- Up to Speed: Meaning, Origin, and Usage1:53
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “up to speed”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Up to Speed: Meaning and Usage
- On the Back Burner: Presentation0:35
- On the Back Burner: Concept Check
- On the Back Burner: Meaning, Origin, and Usage1:42
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “on the back burner”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- On the Back Burner: Meaning and Usage
- Daily Work and Deadlines
- Daily Work and Deadlines - Notes0:01
- Cut Corners: Presentation0:27
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “cut corners" used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Cut Corners: Concept Check
- Cut Corners: Meaning, Origin, and Usage2:05
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “cut corners”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Cut Corners: Meaning and Usage
- A Safe Bet: Presentation0:15
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “a safe bet" used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- A Safe Bet: Concept Check
- A Safe Bet: Meaning, Origin, and Usage1:51
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “a safe bet”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- A Safe Bet: Meaning and Usage
- Put all your Eggs in One Basket: Presentation0:24
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “put all your eggs in one basket" used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Put all your Eggs in One Basket: Concept Check
- Put all your Eggs in One Basket: Meaning, Origin, and Usage1:55
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “put all your eggs in one basket”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Put all your Eggs in One Basket: Meaning and Usage
- A Grey Area: Presentation0:24
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “a grey area" used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- A Grey Area: Concept Check
- A Grey Area: Meaning, Origin and Usage1:58
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “a grey area”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- A Grey Area: Meaning and Usage
- Out of the Question: Presentation0:24
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “out of the question" used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Out of the Question: Concept Check
- Out of the Question: Meaning, Origin, and Usage1:53
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “out of the question”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Out of the Question: Meaning and Usage
- Risk and Decision Making
- Risk and Decision Making - Notes0:01
- Pull your Weight: Presentation0:32
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “pull your weight" used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Pull your Weight: Concept Check
- Pull your Weight: Meaning, Origin, and Usage1:46
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “pull your weight”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Pull your Weight: Meaning and Usage
- Go the Extra Mile: Presentation0:14
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “go the extra mile" used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Go the Extra Mile: Concept Check
- Go the Extra Mile: Meaning, Origin and Usage1:58
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “go the extra mile language”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Go the Extra Mile: Meaning and Usage
- Step up to the Plate: Presentation0:26
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “step up to the plate" used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Step up to the Plate: Concept Check
- Step up to the Plate: Meaning, Origin, and Usage1:58
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “step up to the plate”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Step up to the Plate: Meaning and Usage
- Hang in There: Presentation0:30
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “hang in there" used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Hang in There: Concept Check
- Hang in There: Meaning, Origin, and Usage1:51
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “hang in there”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Hang in There: Meaning and Usage
- Run out of Steam: Presentation0:19
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “run out of steam" used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Run out of Steam: Concept Check
- Run out of Steam: Meaning, Origin, and Usage1:55
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “run out of steam”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Run out of Steam: Meaning and Usage
- Performance and Effort
- Performance and Effort - Notes0:01
- Hit the Nail on the Head: Presentation0:18
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “hit the nail on the head" used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Hit the Nail on the Head: Concept Check
- Hit the Nail on the Head: Meaning, Origin, and Usage2:00
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “hit the nail on the head”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Hit the Nail on the Head: Meaning and Usage
- A Win-Win Situation: Presentation0:37
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “a win-win situation" used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- A Win-Win Situation: Concept Check
- A Win-Win Situation: Meaning, Origin, and Usage1:58
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “a win-win situation”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- A Win-Win Situation: Meaning and Usage
- The Bottom Line: Presentation0:34
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “the bottom line" used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- The Bottom Line: Concept Check
- The Bottom Line: Meaning, Origin, and Usage1:56
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “the bottom line”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- The Bottom Line: Meaning and Usage
- Raise the Bar: Presentation0:27
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “raise the bar" used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Raise the Bar: Concept Check
- Raise the Bar: Meaning, Origin, and Usage2:08
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “raise the bar”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Raise the Bar: Meaning and Usage
- A No-Brainer: Presentation0:22
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “a no-brainer" used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- A No-Brainer: Concept Check
- A No-Brainer: Meaning, Origin, and Usage1:47
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “a no-brainer”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- A No-Brainer: Meaning and Usage
- Results and Success
- Results and Success - Notes0:01
- In Hot Water: Presentation0:20
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “in hot water" used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- In Hot Water: Concept Check
- In Hot Water: Meaning, Origin, and Usage1:47
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “in hot water”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- In Hot Water: Meaning and Usage
- Behind the Curve: Presentation0:32
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “behind the curve" used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Behind the Curve: Concept Check
- Behind the Curve: Meaning, Origin, and Usage1:58
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “behind the curve”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Behind the Curve: Meaning and Usage
- Back to Square One: Presentation0:25
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “back to square" used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Back to Square One: Concept Check
- Back to Square One: Meaning, Origin, and Usage2:02
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “back to square one”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Back to Square One: Meaning and Usage
- Out of the Blue: Presentation0:27
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “out of the blue" used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Out of the Blue: Concept Check
- Out of the Blue: Meaning, Origin, and Usage1:51
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “out of the blue”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Out of the Blue: Meaning and Usage
- Keep your Head above Water: Presentation0:19
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “keep your head above water" used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Keep your Head above Water: Concept Check
- Keep your Head above Water: Meaning, Origin, and Usage1:53
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “keep your head above water”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Keep your Head above Water: Meaning and Usage
- Problems and Challenges
- Problems and Challenges - Notes0:01
- Time is Money: Presentation0:24
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “time is money" used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Time is Money: Concept Check
- Time is Money: Meaning, Origin, and Usage1:50
- Time is Money: Meaning and Usage
- At the End of the Day: Presentation0:28
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “at the end of the day" used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- At the End of the Day: Concept Check
- At the End of the Day: Meaning, Origin, and Usage1:47
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “at the end of the day”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- At the End of the Day: Meaning and Usage
- The Eleventh Hour: Presentation0:25
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “the eleventh hour" used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- The Eleventh Hour: Concept Check
- The Eleventh Hour: Meaning, Origin and Usage1:51
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “the eleventh hour”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- The Eleventh Hour: Meaning and Usage
- Smooth Sailing: Presentation0:18
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “smooth sailing" used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Smooth Sailing: Concept Check
- Smooth Sailing: Meaning, Origin, and Usage1:46
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “smooth sailing”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Smooth Sailing: Meaning and Usage
- On the Right Track: Presentation0:12
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “on the right track" used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- On the Right Track: Concept Check
- On the Right Track: Meaning, Origin, and Usage1:42
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “on the right track”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- On the Right Track: Meaning and Usage
- Time and Efficiency
- Time and Efficiency - Notes0:01
- A Rule of Thumb: Presentation0:24
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “a rule of thumb" used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- A Rule of Thumb: Concept Check
- A Rule of Thumb: Meaning, Origin, and Usage1:43
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “a rule of thumb”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- A Rule of Thumb: Meaning and Usage
- Think on your Feet: Presentation0:22
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “think on your feet" used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Think on your Feet: Concept Check
- Think on your Feet: Meaning, Origin, and Usage1:52
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “think on your feet”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Think on your Feet: Meaning and Usage
- The Icing on the Cake: Presentation0:19
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “the icing on the cake" used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- The Icing on the Cake: Concept Check
- The Icing on the Cake: Meaning, Origin, and Usage1:45
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “the icing on the cake”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- The Icing on the Cake: Meaning and Usage
- A Ballpark Figure: Presentation0:39
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “a ballpark figure" used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- A Ballpark Figure: Concept Check
- A Ballpark Figure: Meaning, Origin, and Usage1:44
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “a ballpark figure”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- A Ballpark Figure: Meaning and Usage
- Behind the Scenes: Presentation0:26
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “behind the scenes" used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Behind the Scenes: Concept Check
- Behind the Scenes: Meaning, Origin, and Usage1:44
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “behind the scenes”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Behind the Scenes: Meaning and Usage
- Thinking and Creativity
- Thinking and Creativity - Notes0:01
Requirements
- A basic to intermediate understanding of English (B1-B2 level).
- Ability to read and understand everyday workplace English.
- Willingness to practice and use new idioms in context.
- No prior knowledge of business idioms is required.
- A notebook or app for taking notes is helpful but not required.
- An open mind and curiosity about how English is used in the workplace!
Description
Do you understand business English, but still feel unsure when native speakers use idioms in everyday workplace communication?
Business English Idioms: Everyday Office Communication is the first course in a series designed to help you sound more natural, confident, and fluent in professional environments. Many English learners know the grammar and vocabulary, but struggle when conversations become fast, informal, or idiomatic. This course focuses on closing that gap.
In this course, you will learn the most common business English idioms used in real office situations, including meetings, emails, small talk with colleagues, and informal workplace discussions. Each idiom is explained in clear, simple English, shown in realistic contexts, and practised so you understand not only what it means, but when and how to use it appropriately.
The lessons are practical and focused, with no unnecessary theory or outdated expressions. The idioms taught are modern, widely used, and relevant to today’s international workplaces. Lessons are short, engaging, and easy to fit into a busy work schedule.
This course is ideal for intermediate to upper-intermediate learners (B1-B2) who want to improve workplace communication, feel more confident speaking with colleagues and clients, and avoid sounding too literal or unnatural in English.
By the end of the course, you will understand office conversations more easily and take part in them with greater confidence. This course also builds a strong foundation for more advanced business English idioms you’ll encounter in future lessons.
Who this course is for:
- This course is perfect for anyone who wants to sound more natural and confident in English at work.
- Intermediate to upper-intermediate learners (B1-B2) looking to improve everyday office communication.
- Professionals or students who want to understand and use common business idioms in meetings, emails, and casual conversations.
- Learners who want to avoid sounding too literal or unnatural when speaking English at work.
- Anyone who wants to build a solid foundation before moving on to more advanced business English idioms.