English Idioms about Decisions

Post author:Harry
Post last modified:06/05/2022
Post category:English Idioms
Reading time:8 mins read

Here you will learn English idioms about decisions – to be in two minds, to sit on the fence, to stick to your guns, up in arms, and more. englishclass101

Continue learning important vocabulary related to decisions and decision making with 7 phrasal verbs related to decisions.

Harry

Harry is a native English teacher with over 10 years of experience both online and in face-to-face lessons. With his extensive experience in business, he specialises in Business English lessons but happily teaches ESL students with any English learning needs.

10 English Idioms about Decisions

Do you have an important decision to make but can’t decide between two good options? There are many interesting English expressions you can use in spoken English and written English. Today, we’re going to learn English idioms about decisions and priorities.

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INSANITY: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

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What you'll learn:
better understanding of more complex grammar structures
advanced English vocabulary words
British & American slang
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This marathon is for you if you're:
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the bottom line

There are three possible meanings of the idiom:

The financial position of a company as seen in the companies accounts.
The final result or outcome.
The main point.

Example:

The company signed a very important contract with its main customer. This would improve the financial position of the company and add profit to the bottom line.

Michael resigned from the company after only 6 months in the job. The bottom line is that he did not enjoy the work and felt he made a mistake.

The politicians argued about the new budget for several hours. The bottom line is that severe cuts had to be made to reduce the countries deficit.

the icing on the cake

Meaning: to top something off, to make something even better

Example:

Mary got a promotion because she worked very hard. She also received an increase in her salary and a bonus which was the icing on the cake.

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in two minds

Meaning: where you are not able to make up your mind and are unsure as to what you should do or choose

Example:

John received an invitation to attend a party. It was on the same day as the football game he really did not want to miss. He was in two minds whether to accept the invitation or not.

split hairs

Meaning: to argue over issues that are not important

Example:

David and Kate were arguing about the temperature that day it was very hot. Kate said it was 32 °C and David thought it was 33 °C. John told them not to split hairs, it was still very hot!

to stick to your guns

Meaning: to be firm and stick to your decision about something despite criticism from other people

Example:

If you’ve thought things through and are comfortable with your decision, just stick to your guns.

10 English Idioms about Decisions

to sit on the fence

Meaning: to stay neutral and not take sides (in an argument), be undecided

Example:

No decision has been taken about where to build the new school; the city council is still sitting on the fence.

to take a back seat

Meaning: not to participate in issue or situation, allow other people to have a leading position

Example:

I took a back seat and allowed my daughter to decorate the cake.

up in arms

Meaning: strongly protesting

Example:

The teachers were up in arms again over the new Junior Certificate reform.