Business English Phrases
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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</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</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</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

    <p>To achieve something difficult</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.</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.</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.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does a 'ballpark figure' refer to?

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

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

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

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

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

    What does 'catching up with someone' typically mean?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    What is meant by a 'ballpark figure'?

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

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

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

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

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

    What does 'tackle a problem' mean?

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

    To 'get the message across' means to:

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

    What does 'to go the extra mile' mean?

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

    What does it mean to 'address an issue'?

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

    What is meant by 'to pull strings'?

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

    What does 'to see the big picture' mean?

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

    What does it mean to 'knuckle down'?

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

    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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