Learn English online by Skype

Here is a small sample of some of the most common Business English idioms in a PDF document. It can be downloaded for free below

at stake

- something that can be gained or lost

There was much at stake during the negotiations between the police and the government.

back down

- to yield in one's position during negotiations, to not follow up on a threat

The government backed down on their threat to stop giving extra money to hospitals.

back out (of something)

- to get out of an agreement, to fail to keep a promise

The property developer backed out of the plan to build the new city sports facility.

ball is in (someone's) court

- it is the decision of another person/group to do something

The ball was in the union's court after the company made their final offer.

beat around the bush

- to talk about something without giving a direct answer

The politician was beating around the bush and never really said anything important.

bog down

- to slow to a stop

The negotiations became bogged down over the issue of part-time workers.

bone of contention

- the subject or reason for a fight/dispute

The size of the project was a bone of contention during the talks between the city and the developer.

break down

- to fail, to stop

The negotiations broke down last night when both sides refused to compromise about the budget required.

break off

- to stop or end suddenly

The government decided to break off talks about extending the trade agreement.

break through

- to be successful after overcoming a difficulty

We were able to break through in our efforts to find a solution to the problem.

breakthrough

- a success that comes after overcoming a difficulty

There was a breakthrough in the talks aimed at ending the doctor’s strike.

bring (something) off

- to achieve something

We were unable to bring off a really good deal to buy the new computer system for our business.