In this lesson, you’ll learn 15 advanced Business English expressions for work and everyday conversation.
I’ll explain what each expression means, give you natural examples and show you how some of them are used in meetings, project discussions and conversations with colleagues.
The aim isn’t to fill every sentence with idioms. It’s to understand the expressions people really use and have a few of them ready when they fit the situation.
Watch the video lesson
Watch Harry explain these advanced speaking expressions and listen to how they sound in natural spoken English.
Let’s go through the expressions one by one. Some are particularly useful at work, while others are common in both professional and everyday English.
The important thing isn’t simply to know the meaning. You also need to know when the expression sounds natural.
Expressions 1–4Expressions for opinions and discussions
These four are useful when you want to give an opinion, add a fact or bring a discussion back to the main point.
1. At the end of the day
MeaningUsed when you want to give the final or most important point after considering everything.
I know it’s been a tough project, but at the end of the day, we have learnt a lot.
I know this has been a tough year, but at the end of the day, it will help you pass the exams.
At the end of the day, I think we can all agree that family is what’s most important.
At work, you’ll often hear this expression when somebody wants to bring a discussion back to the main point.
At the end of the day, we need to decide whether the client is prepared to accept the new deadline.
We can discuss the details, but at the end of the day, the main issue is cost.
It’s a very common expression, so don’t use it every time you want to summarise something. You can also say:
- The main point is…
- What really matters is…
- Overall, I think…
2. As a matter of fact
MeaningUsed when you want to introduce a fact or add information that the other person may not know.
As a matter of fact, I’ve just finished talking to Granny.
As a matter of fact, I sent an email to you two minutes ago. You should see it in your inbox.
As a matter of fact, I’ve just got off the phone to that client. I’m going to meet them next week.
As a matter of fact, I’ve already completed that task. No need to remind me.
As a matter of fact, I won’t be able to attend the meeting tomorrow. I’m going to meet with that client.
You can also use it when somebody assumes something that isn’t correct.
Manager: Do we still need to contact the supplier?
You: As a matter of fact, I spoke to them this morning. They’ve already agreed to send the replacement.
Be a little careful with this expression when you correct somebody. Depending on your tone, it can sound quite strong.
A softer alternative is:
Actually, I spoke to them this morning.
3. By and large
MeaningGenerally, overall or in most cases.
You get one or two people who are regularly late, but by and large, everybody seems to start work around the same time.
By and large, I tend to agree with you.
By and large, the new policy has been well received by employees.
By and large, we tend to get a lot of rain in the months of March and April.
This is useful at work when you want to give an overall view without saying that something is true in every case.
By and large, the feedback from the client has been positive.
By and large, the rollout has gone according to plan.
The new system is working well, by and large, although we still have a few technical problems.
4. In the grand scheme of things
MeaningUsed when you look at the wider situation and decide that one particular problem isn’t as important as it first appeared.
In the grand scheme of things, this setback is quite minor. Don’t worry.
In the grand scheme of things, a few extra dollars spent here and there isn’t a big deal.
We’re a day behind schedule, but in the grand scheme of things, that shouldn’t affect the launch.
The first presentation didn’t go particularly well, but in the grand scheme of things, it was one meeting. We can learn from it and try again.
Use this expression carefully when the problem is important to the person you’re speaking to. If a client is angry because you have missed an important deadline, telling them that it isn’t important in the grand scheme of things could sound dismissive.
Expressions for deadlines and workload
These four come up whenever you’re talking about time, pressure and how much work you already have.
5. In the nick of time
MeaningJust before it became too late.
We arrived at the airport in the nick of time, just as our flight was being called.
The paramedics arrived in the nick of time and saved the person’s life.
I took my roast beef out of the oven in the nick of time. A few minutes later, it would have been burnt.
The figures arrived in the nick of time, so we managed to include them in the presentation.
Legal approved the contract in the nick of time.
We finished the proposal in the nick of time and sent it just before the deadline.
This is conversational English, but it’s perfectly natural when you’re talking to colleagues.
6. Jump through hoops
MeaningHave to go through many difficult or unnecessary steps to get something done.
Ha, that boss! He makes you jump through hoops just to get your salary.
I had to jump through hoops to get all this paperwork done on time. It was a really challenging time.
The candidate had to jump through hoops to get the job, but it was worth it in the end.
We had to jump through hoops to get the budget approved.
They’re making us jump through hoops just to get access to the new system.
We had to jump through several hoops before the application was approved.
There’s usually some frustration behind this expression. You’re suggesting that the process was more difficult than it needed to be.
7. Throw in the towel
MeaningGive up or stop trying because you don’t think you’ll succeed.
I’m going to throw in the towel. I really can’t work this out.
After trying for months, I finally threw in the towel and admitted that I couldn’t complete the task.
The first proposal was rejected, but I don’t think we should throw in the towel yet.
After six months of negotiations, the company finally threw in the towel.
We’ve tried three different approaches. I’m not ready to throw in the towel just yet.
This is quite informal. It’s natural in conversation, but in a formal report you would normally say something more direct:
We decided not to continue with the project.
8. Have a lot on your plate
MeaningHave a lot of responsibilities, work or problems to deal with at the same time.
I can’t take on any more work at the moment. I have a lot on my plate.
I’d love to go out with you tonight, but I can’t. I have a lot on my plate, and I need to get this work completed.
I’ve got quite a lot on my plate this week. Could we look at this on Monday?
I know you have a lot on your plate, so I’ll keep this brief.
She has a lot on her plate with the product launch and the new client account.
If you’re using this expression to explain why you can’t accept more work, make the result clear.
I have a lot on my plate.
I have a lot on my plate this week, so I won’t be able to finish this by Friday. I can have it ready on Monday.
Speak in English without planning every sentence in your head
In meetings, you may understand the discussion and know exactly what you want to say, but still need too long to find the words.
Speak Up in Meetings gives you practical phrases for joining the discussion, buying time, asking for clarification, giving your opinion, disagreeing carefully and checking decisions.
Get Speak Up in Meetings for €17 →Expressions for plans and everyday work situations
These four are for the ordinary situations that come up every week: a plan that isn’t fixed yet, a task that looks simple, a day when you’re unwell, a decision taken too early.
9. Play it by ear
MeaningDecide what to do as the situation develops instead of making a fixed plan now.
We haven’t decided where to go for dinner yet, so let’s play it by ear and see where the evening takes us.
I’m not sure what time I’ll be able to finish my work today, so let’s play it by ear and decide on a meeting time once I’m done.
We don’t know when the client will finish, so let’s play it by ear.
Let’s play it by ear and decide tomorrow whether we need another meeting.
I’m not sure how long the first session will take. We can play the afternoon by ear.
This is natural, conversational English. It works well when the plan really can stay flexible.
Don’t use it when somebody needs a clear commitment.
Client: When will the final report be ready?
You: Let’s play it by ear.
That answer is too vague. Give the client a clear date.
10. It’s not rocket science
MeaningSomething isn’t particularly complicated or difficult to understand.
Cooking an omelette is not rocket science. You break a few eggs, whisk them with some ingredients and voilà.
Don’t worry about figuring out how to use this new software. It’s not rocket science.
You’ll hear this expression at work, but be careful with it. Between colleagues it can sound light and informal:
Once you know where the reports are stored, it’s not rocket science.
It’s not rocket science.
It’s quite straightforward once you know how it works.
Other safer alternatives:
- It should be fairly simple once we have the information.
- There are only a few steps involved.
11. Under the weather
MeaningTo feel slightly ill or unwell.
I won’t be able to come to work today. I’m feeling under the weather.
She’s been feeling under the weather. I think a few days in bed will do her the world of good.
I’m feeling a little under the weather today, so I’m going to work from home.
Maria’s under the weather, so she won’t be joining the meeting.
I was a bit under the weather yesterday, but I’m feeling much better today.
This is common, conversational English. For a more formal message, you can simply say:
I’m unwell today and won’t be able to attend the meeting.
12. Jump the gun
MeaningAct too soon, before you have enough information or before the right time.
I think we’re jumping the gun by making plans before we know for sure what our schedule will be like.
Let’s not jump the gun and assume we got the job until we hear back from the recruiter.
I think we may be jumping the gun. We haven’t seen the final figures yet.
Let’s not jump the gun and tell the client until the decision has been confirmed.
We don’t want to jump the gun by hiring more people before the contract is signed.
This can be particularly useful in meetings, because it lets you question the timing without simply saying that somebody is wrong: I think we may be jumping the gun a little. We still need approval from finance.
Expressions 13–15Expressions for difficult decisions and getting started
The last three are about doing the difficult thing, starting something and agreeing that somebody has found the real problem.
13. Bite the bullet
MeaningFinally do something difficult or unpleasant that you have been avoiding.
When the toothache persists, you have to bite the bullet and make that visit to the dentist.
I know you’re nervous about the presentation, but you just have to bite the bullet and get it done.
I don’t want to have a conversation with my boss, but I have to bite the bullet and tell him that I’m leaving.
I’ve been avoiding the conversation, but I need to bite the bullet and speak to my manager.
We may have to bite the bullet and delay the launch.
The figures aren’t improving. I think we need to bite the bullet and review the whole project.
This is informal, but very common in spoken English.
14. Get the ball rolling
MeaningStart an activity, discussion, process or project.
Who wants to get the ball rolling? Who’s got the first idea?
Let’s get the ball rolling on planning the party by setting a date and sending out invitations.
We need to get the ball rolling on this project if we want to meet the deadline.
Shall we get the ball rolling?
I’ll send the first draft today to get the ball rolling.
We need approval from the director before we can get the ball rolling.
Let’s get the ball rolling with the first two markets and see how they respond.
This is one of the expressions in this lesson that you’ll hear quite often in meetings and project discussions.
15. Hit the nail on the head
MeaningIdentify the exact point, cause or problem correctly.
Yes, you’ve hit the nail on the head.
You hit the nail on the head. I’ve been feeling really stressed out lately.
I think you’ve hit the nail on the head. The problem isn’t the price. It’s the delivery time.
Sarah hit the nail on the head when she said we were trying to do too much at once.
You’ve hit the nail on the head. We need clearer responsibilities, not another meeting.
You might also hear this when a team is trying to understand why something has gone wrong.
A: We didn’t respond to the customer quickly enough.
B: Yes, I think you’ve hit the nail on the head. That’s probably why they cancelled the contract.
It’s a useful way to show strong agreement with somebody’s explanation or analysis.
Listen to the podcast lesson
Prefer to listen while you’re driving, walking or working? This lesson is also available as an episode of Speak Better English with Harry.
The full podcast episode contains additional expressions, so you can continue listening if you want more practice.
How to use these expressions in Business English
You don’t need to avoid idioms and everyday expressions simply because you’re at work. People use them in meetings, calls and normal conversations with colleagues all the time.
The important question is whether the expression fits the person and the situation.
Useful in meetings and project discussions
These are particularly useful when you’re discussing work.
| Expression | Use it when |
|---|---|
| At the end of the day | You want to return to the main point. At the end of the day, we need a decision by Friday. |
| By and large | You’re giving an overall assessment. By and large, the feedback has been positive. |
| Have a lot on your plate | You’re talking about workload. I have quite a lot on my plate this week, so I’ll need until Monday. |
| Play it by ear | The plan can stay flexible. Let’s play it by ear and decide after we hear from the client. |
| Jump the gun | You think somebody is acting too early. I think we may be jumping the gun. We don’t have approval yet. |
| Get the ball rolling | You want to start. I’ll arrange the first meeting to get the ball rolling. |
| Hit the nail on the head | Somebody has identified the real issue. I think you’ve hit the nail on the head. The problem is the timing. |
Natural, but more informal
These are very common, but they’re more conversational.
- in the nick of time
- jump through hoops
- throw in the towel
- bite the bullet
- under the weather
They’re perfectly natural with many colleagues. In a formal document or a very formal conversation with a client, simpler language may be better.
Expressions to use with a little care
Useful, but it can sound quite corrective depending on your tone.
Useful for putting a problem into perspective, but don’t use it to dismiss a problem that matters to somebody else.
Natural between colleagues, but it can sound insulting if the other person is having difficulty understanding something.
The aim isn’t to use as many expressions as possible. Choose the ones that genuinely help you say what you mean.
Have the words ready when you need to speak
Speak Up in Meetings gives you practical phrases for joining the discussion, buying time, asking for clarification, giving your opinion, disagreeing carefully and checking decisions. You can use them in face-to-face, Teams and Zoom meetings.
Get Speak Up in Meetings for €17 →Practice: which expression fits the situation?
Read each situation and choose the expression that fits.
1. Your team wants to announce a decision before the client has confirmed it.
- Let’s throw in the towel.
- Let’s not jump the gun.
- Let’s hit the nail on the head.
Show answer
B. Let’s not jump the gun.
Nothing has been confirmed yet, so announcing the decision would be acting too early.
2. Your manager asks you to take on another task, but you already have several important deadlines.
- I have a lot on my plate at the moment.
- I’m under the weather.
- Let’s get the ball rolling.
Show answer
A. I have a lot on my plate at the moment.
Then add what it means for the deadline, so your manager knows exactly what you can and can’t do.
3. You want the team to start preparing a new project.
- Let’s play it by ear.
- Let’s get the ball rolling.
- Let’s throw in the towel.
Show answer
B. Let’s get the ball rolling.
This is the expression for starting a project, a discussion or a process.
4. Your colleague has identified the exact reason why a customer is unhappy.
- You’ve hit the nail on the head.
- You’ve jumped the gun.
- You’ve got a lot on your plate.
Show answer
A. You’ve hit the nail on the head.
You’re showing strong agreement with somebody’s explanation of the problem.
5. You can’t decide the exact plan yet because you’re waiting for more information.
- Let’s play it by ear for now.
- Let’s bite the bullet.
- It’s not rocket science.
Show answer
A. Let’s play it by ear for now.
You’ll decide as the situation develops instead of fixing the plan today.
6. You have been avoiding a difficult conversation with your manager, but you know you need to have it.
- I’ll throw in the towel.
- I’ll bite the bullet and speak to her.
- I’ll jump the gun.
Show answer
B. I’ll bite the bullet and speak to her.
You’re finally doing the difficult thing you have been putting off.
How to remember advanced English expressions
You don’t have to learn all 15 expressions at once.
Choose three or four that you can imagine using in your own work. Then replace the details in the examples with your real project, client, manager or deadline. For example:
- We need to get the ball rolling on the new website.
- I have a lot on my plate before Thursday.
- I think we may be jumping the gun.
- You’ve hit the nail on the head.
Say the sentences aloud a few times. It’s much easier to use an expression in a real conversation when you’ve already practised saying it.
Common questionsFrequently asked questions about advanced English expressions
What are useful Business English expressions for work?
Useful Business English expressions include phrases you can use to discuss projects, workload, deadlines, decisions and problems naturally. For example:
- get the ball rolling
- have a lot on your plate
- jump the gun
- hit the nail on the head
These are common in workplace conversations.
Can I use idioms in Business English?
Yes. People use idioms and everyday expressions regularly at work, especially in spoken English.
The important thing is to know how formal or informal an expression is and whether it suits the person you’re speaking to.
Is “at the end of the day” professional?
Yes. You’ll hear at the end of the day in meetings and workplace discussions. It means that you’re giving the main or final point.
It’s very common, however, so avoid using it repeatedly.
What does “I have a lot on my plate” mean at work?
It means that you have a lot of work, responsibilities or problems to deal with. For example:
I have a lot on my plate this week, so I won’t be able to finish this until Monday.
Can I say “it’s not rocket science” at work?
You can, but be careful. It can sound friendly and informal between colleagues, but it may sound rude if you say it to somebody who is struggling to understand something.
A safer alternative is:
It’s quite straightforward once you know how it works.
What does “let’s play it by ear” mean at work?
It means that you don’t want to make a fixed decision yet. You’ll decide later when you have more information or when you see how the situation develops.
What does “get the ball rolling” mean in Business English?
It means to start a discussion, activity, project or process. For example:
I’ll organise the first meeting so we can get the ball rolling.
How can I use advanced English expressions more naturally?
Don’t try to memorise long lists. Choose a few expressions that fit situations you regularly have at work.
Make your own examples and practise saying them aloud. That makes them much easier to use when you need them.
15 advanced English expressions to remember
In this lesson, you’ve learnt:
- at the end of the day
- as a matter of fact
- by and large
- in the grand scheme of things
- in the nick of time
- jump through hoops
- throw in the towel
- have a lot on your plate
- play it by ear
- it’s not rocket science
- under the weather
- jump the gun
- bite the bullet
- get the ball rolling
- hit the nail on the head
You don’t need to use all of them.
Choose the expressions that suit the conversations you actually have. Practise them with your own examples, and they’ll become much easier to use when you need them.
More English for work
If this lesson was useful, these will help you say what you need to say at work more clearly.
- English Phrases for Meetings If you understand meetings but sometimes struggle to join the discussion quickly enough, this lesson gives you practical phrases for asking questions, interrupting, disagreeing and checking decisions.
- Making Suggestions in English at Work If you have an idea but aren’t sure how to suggest it without sounding too direct, this lesson shows you several natural ways to make, accept and reject suggestions.
- How to Agree and Disagree in English Use this lesson when you need more ways to give your opinion, agree with somebody or show that you see the situation differently.
- 10 Essential Phrases for Formal Discussions in English If you need to disagree or challenge a point in a more formal meeting, this lesson shows you tactful expressions and explains how strong they sound.
- Advanced English Expressions for Daily Use If you want to continue building your spoken English outside work as well, this lesson gives you another set of advanced expressions with natural examples.