ビジネス英語を学びたいというとき、ビジネスシーンで使えるフォーマルなフレーズや語彙などを中心に学習する人は多いはず。

もちろん、大事な商談相手やクライアントには、プロフェッショナルな英語を使うことは必須といえるでしょう。一方で、いくら仕事だからといって職場の同僚に対してあまりにフォーマルで堅苦しい表現を使うと、よそよそしい印象を与えてしまうことも。

でも、一体何がフォーマルすぎない英語なの？
そう思った皆さん、ご安心ください。本記事では、英語学習者が見落としがちなビジネスシーンでも気軽に使えるカジュアル目なイディオムをご紹介していきます。
早速明日から親しい同僚などに使ってみては？

When we discuss business topics, we often talk about the importance of formal vocabulary. While it’s definitely important to know how to communicate professionally and formally, it’s equally important to understand casual idioms that you might here around your workplace.

If you read our last post on business English idioms, you’re already familiar with some of the most common expressions. Today, we give you round two: 12 more business English idioms!

1. Ahead of the pack

→ More successful or in a better position than your competitors

If we release our new app before the end of the quarter, we’ll be ahead of the pack.

2. To offer/extend an olive branch

→ To say or do something to show that you want to end a disagreement

I’m tired of arguing with my neighbour about their barking dog; I want to offer an olive branch. Maybe I’ll bring them some cookies.

2. Ballpark figure

→ A rough estimate

Could you give me a ballpark figure of how much it will cost to improve our social media marketing?

3. To get (someone) up to speed

→ To give someone all the recent information about something

Our new hire is starting today. Could you get her up to speed on the project before our meeting this afternoon?

4. To get down to business

→ To start doing the things that need to be accomplished

If we want to get this inventory counted by the end of the week, we need to stop avoiding it and get down to business!

6. In full swing

→ At a high level of activity

When the project is in full swing, our boss will expect everyone to work overtime at least once a week.

7. In the bag

→ Guaranteed to be achieved or obtained

We really impressed them with our presentation. I’m sure they’ll invest—it’s in the bag.

8. Long shot

→ Unlikely to happen

I’m going to request two weeks off over Christmas. I know it’s a long shot since it’s our busiest time, but it can’t hurt to ask.

9. To see (something) through

→ To continue something until you complete it

I took a six-month contract job and I wish I could quit; I’m just not enjoying it. I signed an agreement, though, so I guess I’ll have to see it through.

10. To table (something)

→ To postpone; to discuss at another time

This discussion about the new product is turning into an argument. Let’s table it until we’ve all had time to think about what we should do.

11. To take the bull by the horns

→ To take control of a situation

You’ve been waiting for them to offer you a pay increase for two years. You should just take the bull by the horns and ask them for more money.

12. Word of mouth

→ News or information that people share with one another through verbal communication

Please tell us how you heard about our business: An online ad, a Google search, or word of mouth?

引用：12 More Business English Idioms You Should Know / Andrea Byaruhanga