| Idiom/Phrase |
Meaning |
| Hit the nail on the head |
To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem |
| Burn the midnight oil |
To work late into the night |
| Bite the bullet |
To endure a painful or difficult situation |
| Break the ice |
To initiate conversation in an uncomfortable situation |
| Keep your chin up |
To stay positive in a difficult situation |
| Pull out all the stops |
To do everything possible to achieve something |
| Jump on the bandwagon |
To follow a trend or activity that is popular |
| Go the extra mile |
To make an extra effort beyond what is expected |
| Play it by ear |
To act according to circumstances |
| Climb the corporate ladder |
To advance in one's career |
| Call the shots |
To be in charge and make important decisions |
| Back to square one |
To start over from the beginning |
| Learn the ropes |
To understand how to do a particular job or activity |
| Under the table |
Secret or illegal payment |
| Throw in the towel |
To give up or surrender |
| Think outside the box |
To think creatively |
| Put all your eggs in one basket |
To risk everything on a single venture |
| A blessing in disguise |
Something that seems bad but turns out to be good |
| The ball is in your court |
It is your responsibility to take action |
| Hit the ground running |
To start something with a lot of enthusiasm |
| On the same page |
To have a shared understanding |
| Break even |
To neither gain nor lose money |
| Learn the hard way |
To learn from difficult experiences |
| Raise the bar |
To set higher standards |
| Rock the boat |
To cause problems |
| Burn bridges |
To destroy relationships |
| Cut corners |
To do something in a cheap or easy way |
| Get your foot in the door |
To gain an initial opportunity |
| Throw caution to the wind |
To take a risk |
| Roll up your sleeves |
To prepare for hard work |
| See eye to eye |
To agree completely |
| Touch base |
To briefly check in with someone |
| Go down the drain |
To be wasted or lost |
| Be in the same boat |
To be in a similar situation |
| Ahead of the curve |
To be more advanced than others |
| Drop the ball |
To make a mistake |
| Get the ball rolling |
To start a process |
| In the driver’s seat |
To be in control |
| Keep your nose to the grindstone |
To work hard continuously |
| Let the cat out of the bag |
To reveal a secret |
| Read between the lines |
To understand the hidden meaning |
| Up in the air |
Uncertain or undecided |
| Work against the clock |
To work fast due to limited time |
| Wear many hats |
To have multiple responsibilities |
| Win-win situation |
A situation where everyone benefits |
| By the book |
To follow rules strictly |
| Shape up or ship out |
Improve performance or leave |
| Jump the gun |
To do something too soon |