1. ‘In the black’
This idiom refers to a company or business being financially profitable. It’s the opposite of being ‘in the red’, which means experiencing financial losses. For example, ‘Our company has been in the black for the past three quarters.’
2. ‘Cutting corners’
When someone is ‘cutting corners’, it means they are taking shortcuts or not following the proper procedures. This idiom is often used to caution against compromising quality for the sake of saving time or money. For instance, ‘We can’t afford to cut corners on product safety.’
3. ‘Ballpark figure’
If someone gives you a ‘ballpark figure’, they are providing an approximate or rough estimate. It’s not an exact number but gives you a general idea. For instance, ‘Can you give me a ballpark figure for the project cost?’
4. ‘In the pipeline’
When something is ‘in the pipeline’, it means it’s currently being planned or developed and will happen in the future. It’s often used to refer to upcoming projects or initiatives. For example, ‘We have several new products in the pipeline.’
5. ‘On the same page’
Being ‘on the same page’ means having a shared understanding or agreement about something. It’s often used in team settings to ensure everyone is aligned. For example, ‘Let’s have a meeting to make sure we’re all on the same page.’
6. ‘Behind the eight ball’
If someone is ‘behind the eight ball’, it means they are in a difficult or disadvantageous position. It’s often used to describe being under pressure or facing challenges. For instance, ‘We’re behind the eight ball with this project deadline.’
7. ‘In the loop’
When someone is ‘in the loop’, it means they are included in the communication or decision-making process. It’s important to keep colleagues ‘in the loop’ to ensure everyone is informed. For example, ‘Make sure to keep me in the loop about any updates.’
8. ‘On the backburner’
If something is ‘on the backburner’, it means it’s currently not a priority and will be addressed later. It’s often used to describe tasks or projects that are temporarily postponed. For instance, ‘Let’s put that idea on the backburner for now.’
9. ‘In the driver’s seat’
Being ‘in the driver’s seat’ means being in control or having the power to make decisions. It’s often used to describe someone who is leading or managing a situation. For example, ‘She’s in the driver’s seat for this project.’
10. ‘On the same wavelength’
Being ‘on the same wavelength’ means having a similar understanding or thinking. It’s often used to describe people who are in sync or have a good rapport. For instance, ‘We work well together because we’re on the same wavelength.’