Business English Phrases
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Questions and Answers

What does the expression 'get down to business' mean?

  • To focus on the main topic at hand (correct)
  • To negotiate a deal
  • To prepare for a meeting
  • To engage in small talk

What is the purpose of giving someone a 'heads up'?

  • To surprise them
  • To congratulate them
  • To inform or warn them in advance (correct)
  • To ignore their requests

What does 'to get the ball rolling' imply?

  • To delay important decisions
  • To begin a project or process (correct)
  • To divert from the main topic
  • To conclude a discussion

How can being 'on the ball' be described in a professional context?

<p>Being knowledgeable and aware of new ideas (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'keep your eye on the ball' encourage?

<p>To remain focused on a goal (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what context might you use 'heads up' in daily English?

<p>To remind someone of an appointment (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the likely consequence of not keeping 'your eye on the ball'?

<p>Missing opportunities (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does being 'on the ball' suggest about a person's character?

<p>They are intelligent and proactive (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrasal verb 'pull it off' imply?

<p>To achieve something difficult (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When someone needs to 'catch up on' something, what does this usually indicate?

<p>They have fallen behind on tasks or updates. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean when something is described as 'up in the air'?

<p>It is uncertain or not yet decided. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of getting someone 'up to speed'?

<p>To ensure they are familiar with the latest information. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does a 'ballpark figure' refer to?

<p>A rough estimate of quantity or cost. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'let's take it from there' signify in a planning context?

<p>To show flexibility and readiness to adapt. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the expression 'get down to business' indicate?

<p>To start effectively discussing relevant topics. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to give someone a 'heads up'?

<p>To inform them of future changes or events. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the overall meaning of 'getting the ball rolling'?

<p>To initiate or kick off an activity. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the expression 'thinking on your feet' imply?

<p>To respond quickly to unforeseen circumstances. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'catching up with someone' typically mean?

<p>To discuss recent updates in their life. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is implied by saying a project is 'up in the air'?

<p>Decisions regarding the project are still pending. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a business context, what do we mean when we ask for a 'ballpark figure'?

<p>To estimate costs or quantities loosely. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'getting someone up to speed' involve in a team setting?

<p>Updating them on relevant information or changes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to 'get the ball rolling'?

<p>To start a process or activity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If someone is described as 'on the ball', how are they likely perceived?

<p>They are aware of trends and methods. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When someone says they need to 'catch up on something', what are they referring to?

<p>Completing past due tasks or updates. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the expression 'up in the air' signify?

<p>Plans or decisions are uncertain. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When someone is said to be 'brought up to speed', what does this typically imply?

<p>They have the latest information on a subject. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'pull it off' mean in a business context?

<p>To succeed in a difficult task. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by a 'ballpark figure'?

<p>A rough estimate of a number. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If something is 'pushed back', what does that indicate?

<p>There is a delay in the schedule. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to 'take it from there'?

<p>To proceed with flexibility and spontaneity. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'tackle a problem' mean?

<p>To face and attempt to resolve an issue. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If you are advised to keep your 'eye on the ball', what should you prioritize?

<p>Paying attention to a particular goal. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

To 'get the message across' means to:

<p>Communicate effectively. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to 'think on your feet'?

<p>To respond quickly and effectively to unexpected situations. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to 'hit the ground running'?

<p>To begin a task with enthusiasm and energy (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of the expression 'to think outside of the box'?

<p>To apply creative and original thinking (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'to bite off more than you can chew' imply?

<p>Undertaking more tasks than one can handle (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'to go the extra mile' mean?

<p>To exert more effort than required (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to 'address an issue'?

<p>To acknowledge and deal with the problem (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'to pull strings'?

<p>To use influence to achieve a goal unfairly (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'to be thrown in at the deep end' imply?

<p>Being given a challenging task without preparation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'to see the big picture' mean?

<p>To understand the overall perspective and context (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean when something is described as 'above board'?

<p>It is done transparently and honestly (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to 'knuckle down'?

<p>To begin working hard and seriously (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of 'having a slice of the pie'?

<p>Seeking a share of the profits or benefits (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean when someone is 'on top of their game'?

<p>To be very successful or effective in their role (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to 'make hard decisions about budget cuts'?

<p>To evaluate financial situations and reduce expenses (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the expression 'the lion's share' refer to?

<p>The largest part or majority of something (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Get the ball rolling

To start something in order to make progress before it's officially needed.

Be on the ball

To be aware of trends, ideas, and changes in your field.

Keep your eye on the ball

To stay focused on your goals and not get distracted.

Get down to business

To focus on the main topic and avoid unnecessary conversations.

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Give someone a heads up

To inform someone in advance, often as a warning or heads-up.

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Get your head around something

To begin to understand something better.

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Pull something off

To succeed in doing something difficult or unexpected.

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Catch up on something

To do something you haven't had time to do recently, often related to work.

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Up in the air

Something that is uncertain or not yet decided.

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Get up to speed

To gain the latest information about a project or topic.

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Ballpark figure

A rough or approximate estimate; not an exact number.

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Take it from there

To make a decision or plan as you go along without everything being pre-determined.

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Push something back

To delay or postpone something.

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Move forward

To do something earlier than planned.

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Tackle a problem

To confront a problem directly and try to resolve it.

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Get the message across

To make yourself understood; to communicate effectively.

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Catch up on

To do something that you haven't had time to do recently.

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Break something down

To make something clear or understandable.

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Explain something

To help someone understand a complex topic or situation.

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Go into detail

To discuss a specific topic in detail.

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What do you make of?

To ask someone for their opinion about something.

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To be on top of something

To be in control of a situation and able to handle it successfully.

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To address something

To deal with or face a problem or issue.

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To think outside the box

To think creatively and come up with new ideas that are different from the usual way of doing things.

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To pull strings

To use your influence or connections to get something done, often in an unfair way.

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To bite off more than you can chew

To take on more work or responsibility than you can handle.

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To see the big picture

To see the overall picture, considering all factors and not just small details.

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To be above board

To be legal, honest, and transparent in your actions.

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To go the extra mile

To go beyond what is expected or required, putting in extra effort.

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To knuckle down

To work hard and focus intensely on a task.

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To hit the ground running

To start a new job or task with high energy and enthusiasm, quickly getting up to speed.

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To be thrown in at the deep end

To be put into a challenging situation without much training or preparation.

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To get a slice of the pie

To share in the profits or benefits of something.

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To do the lion's share

To do the majority of the work in a project or task.

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Study Notes

Business English Phrases

  • Get down to business: Focus on the task at hand, avoiding small talk. Example: "Let's get down to business."

Business English Phrases (Heads up)

  • Heads up: Informal warning or information. Example: "Heads up, the vice president is coming in tomorrow."

Business English Phrases (Getting Started)

  • Get the ball rolling: Initiate a project or discussion. Example: "Why don't we get the ball rolling and have an early meeting tomorrow?"
  • Get your head around something: Understand something better. Example: "I think it'll help us get our heads around the object."

Business English Phrases (Being Aware and Prepared)

  • Be on the ball: Be aware of trends, methods, and new ideas. Example: "A girl like that, she’s really on the ball."
  • Keep your eye on the ball: Focus on a goal. Example: "Keep your eye on the ball, and you won't miss out."
  • Pull it off: Successfully accomplish something unexpected. Example: "Have you heard about the surprise party? I'm not sure if he's got enough time to pull it off."

Business English Phrases (Catching Up)

  • Catch up on something: Complete something you haven't had time for recently. Example: "I need to catch up on Lucifer."
  • Catch up with someone: Meet and talk with someone recently.

Business English Phrases (Uncertainty)

  • Up in the air: Uncertain, not decided. Example: "Things are a little bit up in the air with covid at the moment."

Business English Phrases (Getting Updated)

  • Get up to speed: Learn the current info on a topic or project. Example: "We need to get him up to speed on the newest project."

Business English Phrases (Estimates)

  • Ballpark figure: Rough estimate, not exact.

Business English Phrases (Flexibility)

  • Take it from there: Be flexible and adaptable in a plan or project. Example: "Let's take it from there. Let's complete our market research and we can take things from there."

Business English Phrases (Delaying)

  • Push back: Delay something. Example: "Why don't we push back the launch of the new lipstick"

Business English Phrases (Progressing)

  • Move forward/Push forward: Proceed sooner than planned. Example: "to push forward these things"

Business English Phrases (Problem Solving)

  • Tackle a problem: Deal with a problem directly.
  • Get the message across: Make oneself understood. Example: "I think you've got your message across loud and clear."

Business English Phrases (Opinions)

  • What do you make of...?: Ask someone their opinion about something.

Business English Phrases (Control and Proficiency)

  • Stay on top of something: Control and handle a situation successfully.

Business English Phrases (Dealing with Issues)

  • Address an issue/problem: To deal with an issue/problem.

Business English Phrases (Thinking Differently)

  • Think outside the box: Think creatively.

Business English Phrases (Influence)

  • Pull strings: Use connections and influence to get something done.

Business English Phrases (Taking on Too Much)

  • Bite off more than you can chew: Take on too much work. Example: "She really bit off more than she could chew."

Business English Phrases (Perspective)

  • See the big picture: Understand a situation from a wider perspective.

Business English Phrases (Legality)

  • Above board/Not above board: Reflects legality and appropriateness.

Business English Phrases (Extra Effort)

  • Go the extra mile: Make a greater effort to succeed.

Business English Phrases (Focus and Determination)

  • Knuckle down: Work hard.
  • Hit the ground running: Begin a new task/job with high motivation.

Business English Phrases (Lack of Preparation)

  • Thrown in at the deep end: Started a new task/job with too little preparation and support.

Business English Phrases (Sharing Success)

  • Slice of the pie: The rewards of a successful project and/or business initiative.

Business English Phrases (Majority)

  • The lion's share: The largest part of something or the majority Example: My husband does the lion’s share of cooking

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Description

Test your knowledge of essential business English phrases that can enhance your professional communication. This quiz covers various expressions that help you focus, prepare, and succeed in a business environment. From getting started to staying aware, see how well you understand these phrases.

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