Your cart is empty.
Keep shopping
Teach on Udemy
Turn what you know into an opportunity and reach millions around the world.
Learn MoreBusiness English Idioms: Negotiate, Lead & Manage
3 students
Business English Idioms: Negotiate, Lead & Manage
Sound confident and natural in negotiations, meetings, and management conversations using real Business English idioms
Created byMatt Rudkin Fantastic Phrasal
Last updated 5/2026
English
What you'll learn
- Use common business idioms related to negotiation, leadership, and people management
- Communicate more effectively when negotiating, persuading, or reaching compromise
- Sound more confident and natural when leading meetings or expressing opinions
- Understand idiomatic language used by managers, team leaders, and colleagues
- Apply idioms appropriately in meetings, discussions, and everyday workplace situations
- Recognise the tone and intent behind idioms used in professional conversations
- Avoid common errors and misuse of idioms in business communication
Explore related topics
Course content
11 sections • 111 lectures • 1h 46m total length
- Introduction3:56
- Take the Bull by the Horns: Presentation0:42
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “Take the Bull by the Horns” used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Take the Bull by the Horns: Concept Check
- Take the Bull by the Horns: Meaning, Origin and Usage1:46
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “Take the Bull by the Horns”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Take the Bull by the Horns: 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 Usage1:42
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
- Bring Something to the Table: Presentation0:29
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “Bring Something to the Table” used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Bring Something to the Table: Concept Check
- Bring Something to the Table: Meaning, Origin and Usage1:42
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “Bring Something to the Table”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Bring Something to the Table: Meaning and Usage
- In the Driver's Seat: Presentation0:32
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “In the Driver's Seat” used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- In the Driver's Seat: Concept Check
- In the Driver's Seat: Meaning, Origin and Usage1:37
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “In the Driver's Seat”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- In the Driver's Seat: Meaning and Usage
- Rule the Roost: Presentation0:20
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “Rule the Roost” used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Rule the Roost: Concept Check
- Rule the Roost: Meaning, Origin and Usage1:43
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “Rule the Roost”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Rule the Roost: Meaning and Usage
- Taking Initiative and Leadership
- Taking Initiative and Leadership - Notes0:01
- The Ball is in your Court: Presentation0:26
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “The Ball is in your Court” used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- The Ball is in your Court: Concept Check
- The Ball is in your Court: Meaning, Origin and Usage1:51
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “The Ball is in your Court”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- The Ball is in your Court: Meaning and Usage
- Play Hardball: Presentation0:27
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “Play Hardball” used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Play Hardball: Concept Check
- Play Hardball: Meaning, Origin and Usage1:44
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “Play Hardball”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Play Hardball: Meaning and Usage
- Keep your Cards Close to your Chest: Presentation0:19
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “Keep your Cards Close to your Chest” used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Keep your Cards Close to your Chest: Concept Check
- Keep your Cards Close to your Chest: Meaning, Origin and Usage1:45
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “Keep your Cards Close to your Chest”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Keep your Cards Close to your Chest: Meaning and Usage
- Give and Take: Presentation0:21
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “Give and Take” used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Give and Take: Concept Check
- Give and Take: Meaning, Origin and Usage1:38
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “Give and Take”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Give and Take: Meaning and Usage
- Put your Money where your Mouth is: Presentation0:18
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “Put your Money where your Mouth is” used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Put your money where your Mouth is: Concept Check
- Put your Money where your Mouth is: Meaning, Origin and Usage1:49
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “Put your Money where your Mouth is”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Put your Money where your Mouth is: Meaning and Usage
- Negotiation and Strategy
- Negotiation and Strategy - Notes0:01
- Get Down to Business: Presentation0:15
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “Get Down to Business” used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Get Down to Business: Concept Check
- Get Down to Business: Meaning, Origin and Usage1:32
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “Get Down to Business”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Get Down to Business: Meaning and Usage
- Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Presentation0:20
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “Between a Rock and a Hard Place” used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Concept Check
- Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Meaning, Origin and Usage1:33
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “Between a Rock and a Hard Place”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Meaning and Usage
- Go Back to Basics: Presentation0:21
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “Go Back to Basics” used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Go Back to Basics: Concept Check
- Go Back to Basics: Meaning, Origin and Usage1:42
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “Go Back to Basics”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Go Back to Basics: Meaning and Usage
- By Word of Mouth: Presentation0:19
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “By Word of Mouth” used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- By Word of Mouth: Concept Check
- By Word of Mouth: Meaning, Origin and Usage1:34
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “By Word of Mouth”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- By Word of Mouth: Meaning and Usage
- Cut a Long Story Short: Presentation0:28
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “Cut a Long Story Short” used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Cut a Long Story Short: Concept Check
- Cut a Long Story Short: Meaning, Origin and Usage1:49
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “Cut a Long Story Short”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Cut a Long Story Short: Meaning and Usage
- Decision Making and Problem Solving
- Decision Making and Problem Solving - Notes0:01
- In the Pipeline: Presentation0:19
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “In the Pipeline” used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- In the Pipeline: Concept Check
- In the Pipeline: Meaning, Origin and Usage1:46
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “In the Pipeline”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- In the Pipeline: Meaning and Usage
- Hit the Ground Running: Presentation0:54
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “Hit the Ground Running” used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Hit the Ground Running: Concept Check
- Hit the Ground Running: Meaning, Origin and Usage1:52
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “Hit the Ground Running”. Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Hit the Ground Running: Meaning and Usage
- Know the Ropes: Presentation0:16
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “Know the Ropes” used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Know the Ropes: Concept Check
- Know the Ropes: Meaning, Origin and Usage1:47
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “Know the Ropes". Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Know the Ropes: Meaning and Usage
- Sit Tight: Presentation0:34
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “Sit Tight” used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Sit Tight: Concept Check
- Sit Tight: Meaning, Origin and Usage1:40
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “Sit Tight". Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Sit Tight: Meaning and Usage
- All in a Day's Work: Presentation0:13
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “All in a Day's Work” used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- All in a Day's Work: Concept Check
- All in a Day's Work: Meaning, Origin and Usage1:42
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “All in a Day's Work". Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- All in a Day's Work: Meaning and Usage
- Management and Organization
- Management and Organization - Notes0:01
- Throw Someone Under the Bus: Presentation0:20
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “Throw Someone Under the Bus” used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Throw Someone Under the Bus: Concept Check
- Throw Someone Under the Bus: Meaning, Origin and Usage1:44
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “Throw Someone Under the Bus". Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Throw Someone Under the Bus: Meaning and Usage
- Pass the Buck: Presentation0:26
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “Pass the Buck” used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Pass the Buck: Concept Check
- Pass the Buck: Meaning, Origin and Usage1:48
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “Pass the Buck". Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Pass the Buck: Meaning and Usage
- Pull Strings: Presentation0:22
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “Pull Strings” used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Pull Strings: Concept Check
- Pull Strings: Meaning, Origin and Usage1:42
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “Pull Strings". Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Pull Strings: Meaning and Usage
- Throw your Weight Around: Presentation0:16
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “Throw your Weight Around” used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Throw your Weight Around: Concept Check
- Throw your Weight Around: Meaning, Origin and Usage1:35
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “Throw your Weight Around". Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Throw your Weight Around: Meaning and Usage
- Barking up the Wrong Tree: Presentation0:23
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “Barking up the Wrong Tree” used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Barking up the Wrong Tree: Concept Check
- Barking up the Wrong Tree: Meaning, Origin and Usage1:45
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “Barking up the Wrong Tree". Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Barking up the Wrong Tree: Meaning and Usage
- Office Politics and Responsibility
- Office Politics and Responsibility - Notes0:01
- A Change of Pace: Presentation0:13
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “A Change of Pace” used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- A Change of Pace: Concept Check
- A Change of Pace: Meaninig, Origin and Usage1:54
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “A Change of Pace". Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- A Change of Pace: Meaning and Usage
- Go for Broke: Presentation0:20
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “Go for Broke” used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Go for Broke: Concept Check
- Go for Broke: Meaning, Origin and Usage1:40
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “Go for Broke". Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Go for Broke: Meaning and Usage
- Pull the Plug: Presentation0:14
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “Pull the Plug” used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Pull the Plug: Concept Check
- Pull the Plug: Meaning, Origin and Usage1:30
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “Pull the Plug". Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Pull the Plug: Meaning and Usage
- Out of the Woods: Presentation0:15
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “Out of the Woods” used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Out of the Woods: Concept Check
- Out of the Woods: Meaning, Origin and Usage1:39
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “Out of the Woods". Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Out of the Woods: Meaning and Usage
- A Bitter Pill to Swallow: Presentation0:25
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “A Bitter Pill to Swallow used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- A Bitter Pill to Swallow: Concept Check
- A Bitter Pill to Swallow: Meaning, Origin and Usage1:33
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “A Bitter Pill to Swallow". Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- A Bitter Pill to Swallow: Meaning and Usage
- Change and Risk
- Change and Risk - Notes0:01
- Keep it Under Wraps: Presentation0:16
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “Keep it Under Wraps" used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Keep it Under Wraps: Concept Check
- Keep it Under Wraps: Meaning, Origin and Usage1:27
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “Keep it Under Wraps". Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Keep it Under Wraps: Meaning and Usage
- Play it by Ear: Presentation0:14
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “Play it by Ear" used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Play it by Ear: Concept Check
- Play it by Ear: Meaning, Origin and Usage1:28
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “Play it by Ear". Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Play it by Ear: Meaning and Usage
- Read Between the Lines: Presentation0:27
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “Read Between the Lines" used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Read Between the Lines: Concept Check
- Read Between the Lines: Meaning, Origin and Usage1:37
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “Read Between the Lines". Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Read Between the Lines: Meaning and Usage
- Put Two and Two Together: Presentation0:17
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “Put Two and Two Together" used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Put Two and Two Together: Concept Check
- Put Two and Two Together: Meaning, Origin and Usage1:35
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “Put Two and Two Together". Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Put Two and Two Together: Meaning and Usage
- Shoot from the Hip: Presentation0:20
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “Shoot from the Hip" used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Shoot from the Hip: Concept Check
- Shoot from the Hip: Meaning, Origin and Usage1:39
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “Shoot from the Hip". Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Shoot from the Hip: Meaning and Usage
- Communication and Confidentiality
- Communication and Confidentiality - Notes0:01
- Tighten your Belt: Presentation0:13
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “Tighten your Belt" used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Tighten your Belt: Concept Check
- Tighten your Belt: Meaning, Origin and Usage1:36
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “Tighten your Belt". Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Tighten your Belt: Meaning and Usage
- In the Hot Seat: Presentation0:09
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “In the Hot Seat" used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- In the Hot Seat: Concept Check
- In the Hot Seat: Meaning, Origin and Usage1:34
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “In the Hot Seat". Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- In the Hot Seat: Meaning and Usage
- Stay Ahead of the Curve: Presentation0:17
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “Stay Ahead of the Curve" used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Stay Ahead of the Curve: Concept Check
- Stay Ahead of the Curve: Meaning, Origin and Usage1:38
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “Stay Ahead of the Curve". Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Stay Ahead of the Curve: Meaning and Usage
- Get a Foot in the Door: Presentation0:16
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “Get a Foot in the Door" used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Get a Foot in the Door: Concept Check
- Get a Foot in the Door: Meaning, Origin and Usage1:38
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “Get a Foot in the Door". Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Get a Foot in the Door: Meaning and Usage
- Out of the Loop: Presentation0:14
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “Out of the Loop" used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Out of the Loop: Concept Check
- Out of the Loop: Meaning, Origin and Usage1:46
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “Out of the Loop". Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Out of the Loop: Meaning and Usage
- Financial Pressure and Efficiency
- Financial Pressure and Efficiency - Notes0:01
- Sit on the Fence: Presentation0:22
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “Sit on the Fence" used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Sit on the Fence: Concept Check
- Sit on the Fence: Meaning, Origin and Usage1:49
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “Sit on the Fence". Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Sit on the Fence: Meaning and Usage
- Win Hands Down: Presentation0:14
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “Win Hands Down" used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Win Hands Down: Concept Check
- Win Hands Down: Meaning, Origin and Usage1:37
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “Win Hands Down". Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Win Hands Down: Meaning and Usage
- Learn the Hard Way: Presentation0:18
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “Learn the Hard Way" used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Learn the Hard Way: Concept Check
- Learn the Hard Way: Meaning, Origin and Usage1:48
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “Learn the Hard Way". Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Learn the Hard Way: Meaning and Usage
- Out of your Depth: Presentation0:19
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “Out of your Depth" used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Out of your Depth: Concept Check
- Out of your Depth: Meaning, Origin and Usage1:47
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “Out of your Depth". Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Out of your Depth: Meaning and Usage
- Go Belly Up: Presentation0:12
In this short sketch, you’ll see the idiom “Go Belly Up" used in context. Watch carefully, then complete the Concept Check quiz that follows.
- Go Belly Up: Concept Check
- Go Belly Up: Meaning, Origin and Usage1:44
This video explains the meaning, origin, and correct usage of the idiom “Go Belly Up". Watch the video and then complete the quiz that follows.
- Go Belly Up: Meaning and Usage
- Conflict and Resolution
- Conflict and Resolution - Notes0:01
Requirements
- An intermediate level of English (B1+ / B2 recommended)
- Basic familiarity with general Business English vocabulary
- Ability to follow explanations given entirely in English
- A desire to improve spoken and listening skills in professional contexts
- No prior knowledge of business idioms is required
Description
In international business, what you say matters - but how you say it matters even more.
In meetings, negotiations, and management conversations, native speakers regularly use idioms to persuade, compromise, push back, and lead discussions. If you don’t understand them - or don’t feel confident using them - it’s easy to miss nuance or sound less natural than you really are.
This course is designed to help you understand and use essential Business English idioms commonly heard in negotiation, leadership, and management contexts.
You’ll learn idioms as they are actually used in real workplace situations, not as isolated vocabulary items. Each idiom is clearly explained, placed in context, and practised through realistic examples so you can start using it naturally in your own professional communication.
In this course, you will:
Learn common business idioms used in negotiations, meetings, and management discussions
Understand the tone, intention, and nuance behind idiomatic language
Improve your listening comprehension when working with native and fluent speakers
Sound more confident, fluent, and professional when expressing opinions or leading conversations
Avoid common mistakes and misuse of idioms in business contexts
This course is ideal for intermediate to upper-intermediate learners who want to move beyond textbook Business English and communicate more naturally at work.
This is the second course in a trilogy, following Business English Idioms: Everyday Office Communication and leading into High-Stakes Decisions & Strategy, where you’ll tackle more advanced, senior-level language.
Who this course is for:
- English learners who want to sound more natural and confident in workplace conversations
- Professionals who take part in meetings, negotiations, or discussions in English
- Team leaders, supervisors, or aspiring managers working in international environments
- Business English students at intermediate to upper-intermediate level (B1+–B2)
- Anyone who wants to understand and use real idiomatic language used in management contexts