BUSINESS IDIOMS | origin, use, examples | Part 1

1️⃣ Learn the ropes

Great idiom for when you're starting new job or learning a new skill. If you are going to sail, you will need to learn how to tie knots and manipulate the ropes that move the sails in the best way possible. That is the origin of our third idiom!  

 Meaning: Learn how to do things or learn how things work. 

 As a professional, you need to constantly learn the ropes to do really well in your career.

He still needs to learn the ropes, but he has great potential. 

  

2️⃣ That won’t cut it ✂️ 

So, the question you might have is “Cut what?” Imagine a pair of scissors trying to cut through steel. It’s not enough. It won’t work. Whatever method you are using to solve your problem is simply insufficient. 

 Meaning: That will not be enough to do a task or cope with a situation. 

 You can cram for the test, but that probably won’t cut it. You will need to study every day for several days in order to really understand the material.

They seem really upset. A simple apology won't cut it. 

 

3️⃣ The ball is in your court 🏀 

From the world of ships we go now to the world of sports. Whether it comes from tennis or from basketball, the idea is clear: it’s your turn to make a move. 

 Meaning: It’s your turn to make a decision or do something. 

 I’ve done what I can. Now the ball is in your court.

Everybody in this company will support you if you decide to move to another country but the ball is in your court if you decide to change your mind at the last minute.

I've already told you that Talaera is a super cool option to learn English, but now the ball is in your court. 

 

4️⃣ Behind the scenes 🎭 

The equator of our list takes us to the theatre. Behind the scenes was originally used to talk about those events in a play that happen off stage, where the audience cannot see. 

 Meaning: Done privately or secretly, rather than publicly. 

 There is a lot of negotiation going on behind the scenes.

I can tell there is a lot of work behind the scenes.

If you want to check out what happens behind the scenes at Talaera, visit our LinkedIn page.

 

5️⃣ On the same page 📖 

It seems that the origin of this idiom is attributed to choral singing, when all singers had to be on the same page to be able to sing all together the same song. 

Meaning: Understand each other and agree. 

 Before we begin the discussion, I want to make sure that we are all on the same page.

I have a great connection with my manager, I always feel we are on the same page.