Business Idioms

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brass tacks

Meaning: The most important practical facts or details; the essentials.

Example: After a few minutes of small talk, the manager got down to brass tacks and discussed the project deadline. Read more ➺


whip hand

Meaning: A position of control or dominance over someone.

Example: Because David owns most of the company’s shares, he has the whip hand in all major business decisions. Read more ➺


break the deadlock

Meaning: To end a situation in which progress has stopped because people cannot agree.

Example: The mediator proposed a compromise that helped both sides break the deadlock in the labor dispute. Read more ➺


mover and shaker

Meaning: A powerful or influential person who can make important things happen.

Example: She is a mover and shaker in the tech industry, shaping major trends and investments. Read more ➺


sitting on a goldmine

Meaning: Being in possession of something that has very high value or profit potential, often without fully realizing it.

Example: The startup is sitting on a goldmine with its innovative technology, but it lacks the funding to scale. Read more ➺


cog in the wheel

Meaning: A person who performs a small, routine role within a large system and has little power or individuality.

Example: In the massive corporation, Marcus felt like a cog in the wheel, following orders with no influence on decisions. Read more ➺


trade on

Meaning: To use something to your advantage, especially in a way that feels unfair or manipulative.

Example: He tried to trade on people's emotions to get their support. Read more ➺


sweeten the deal

Meaning: To make an offer more attractive by adding extra benefits or incentives.

Example: The car dealer decided to sweeten the deal by including free servicing for two years. Read more ➺


hard yards

Meaning: Significant effort or hard work, especially in challenging tasks.

Example: She's already done the hard yards to establish her business. Read more ➺


touch base

Meaning: Make contact briefly to update or check in.

Example: Let's touch base next week about the marketing plan. Read more ➺


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