This document defines and provides examples for common idioms:
- "Back to square one" means to start over from the beginning.
- "Call it a day" refers to stopping work or an activity for the time being.
- "Get something off the ground" means to successfully start a new project or initiative.
- "Go through the roof" describes when prices or sales are rapidly increasing.
- "Groundbreaking" signifies something novel and innovative.
2. • “back to square one”
Example: “We’ve spent 6 months
using this sales strategy, but the
results are not improving. I think
we should go back to square
one and rethink our approach.”
Meaning: Go back to the
beginning. Start over again.
3. • “call it a day”
Example: “I think we’ve covered
enough for today’s meeting.
Let’s call it a day, shall we?”
Meaning: To stop work or
activity.
4. • “get something off the ground”
Example: “My goal for this year
is to get my business off the
ground. I’m currently in the
process of raising funds, and I
believe I’m on course for getting
it off the ground in September.”
Meaning: To get something
started. This could be a project
or a new business.
5. • “go through the roof”
Example: “The real estate market
is really heating up. Since last
year, house prices have gone
through the roof.”
Meaning: When something is
rapidly increasing. Typically used
to describe increasing prices or
sales.
6. • “groundbreaking”
Example: “The programmable
computer was a groundbreaking,
post World War 11 invention.”
Meaning: When something is
new and innovative.
7. • “a long shot”
Example: “I know it’s a long
shot because he has a lot going
on, but maybe I can convince
him to partner with us for this
project.”
Meaning: Something that has a
small chance of succeeding..
8. • “a no brainer”
Example: “Accepting the position
in New York was a no brainer.
They offered me a salary
increase of 50%, and will also
pay for my accommodation.”
Meaning: A decision that is very
obvious or easy to make.
9. • “raise the bar”
Example: “Even though we
increased the turnover by 10%
last year, I want to raise the
bar for this year and set the
target at 20%.”
Meaning: to increase standards
or expectations.
10. • “touch base”
Example: “This week I intend
to touch base with our top 3
clients to make sure everything’s
running smoothly.”
Meaning: To make contact with
someone. Often used by
commercial professionals when
following up with clients.
11. • “word of mouth.”
Example: “20% of our customers
hear about our company
through word of mouth.”
Meaning: When people hear
about a product or service
through informal conversation
with friends or colleagues.