idioms
Idioms & Natural Expressions
Fixed expressions and idiomatic language to sound more natural and precise.
30 minC1c1idiomsbusiness-communication-negotiationnegotiationbusiness englishcommunication
Lesson objectives
- Use idiomatic language connected to business communication & negotiation more naturally.
- Distinguish neutral, formal and contemporary expressions.
- Recognise when an expression improves fluency without sounding forced.
Idioms & expressions — Business Communication & Negotiation
To touch base · neutral
neutralMeaning:To briefly contact someone to update them or check progress.
Significado:Ponerse en contacto brevemente o hacer un seguimiento.
Example:I'll touch base with the legal team tomorrow to ensure the contract is ready for signing.
To reach a stalemate · formal
formalMeaning:A situation in which no progress can be made or no agreement can be reached.
Significado:Llegar a un punto muerto o estancamiento.
Example:Negotiations reached a stalemate when neither side would budge on the equity split.
To move the needle · neutral
neutralMeaning:To make a noticeable or significant difference in a situation.
Significado:Lograr un cambio significativo o marcar la diferencia.
Example:We need a marketing strategy that actually moves the needle on our user acquisition rates.
To be on the same page · neutral
neutralMeaning:To have the same understanding or agreement as others.
Significado:Estar en la misma sintonía o estar de acuerdo.
Example:Before we present to the board, let's make sure we are all on the same page regarding the budget.
To iron out the details · neutral
neutralMeaning:To resolve minor problems or finalize the specifics of a plan.
Significado:Ultimar los detalles o resolver pequeños problemas.
Example:The merger is almost complete; we just need to iron out a few final details in the service level agreement.
To play hardball · informal
formalMeaning:To act in a very aggressive or uncompromising way to get what you want.
Significado:Jugar sucio o actuar de forma agresiva/implacable en una negociación.
Example:If they don't accept our initial offer, we might have to play hardball to protect our interests.
To lean in · neutral
neutralMeaning:To embrace an opportunity or approach a challenge with enthusiasm and focus.
Significado:Aprovechar una oportunidad o involucrarse con determinación.
Example:Instead of fearing the new AI integration, the leadership decided to lean in and lead the transition.
To be in the loop · neutral
neutralMeaning:To be kept informed about a particular situation or project.
Significado:Estar al tanto o estar informado.
Example:Please keep me in the loop regarding any changes to the project timeline.
To prompt-engineer a solution · neutral
neutralMeaning:To use AI-driven interaction to find an answer or resolve a complex problem (contemporary).
Significado:Diseñar una solución mediante ingeniería de prompts/IA (contemporáneo).
Example:We didn't have the data analysis ready, so we had to prompt-engineer a solution using our new LLM tools.
To signal-boost a proposal · neutral
neutralMeaning:To use digital platforms or internal networks to give visibility to an idea (contemporary).
Significado:Dar visibilidad o amplificar una propuesta (contemporáneo).
Example:The CEO decided to signal-boost the sustainability proposal to ensure it reached all global departments.