Business English Idioms

[PROESL]

Let's talk about business English idioms and what they mean.

Here's the first one: a ballpark figure.

Can you give us a ballpark figure? Can you give us an estimate?

Here's another way to use "ballpark".

Yes, that price is definitely in the ballpark. Let's set up a time to meet so that we can talk about this in more detail.

ballpark - This refers to a baseball park. If a price, a number, or a quantity is "in the ballpark", it is within one's requirements.

[PROESL]

I think it's about time we raised the bar around here.

raise the bar - raise the standards for good work and acheivement

[PROESL]

I once heard a telemarketing manager say, "Come on, people! Let's turn up the volume here."

He meant let's start making more phone calls and making some sales.

[PROESL]

I can't believe it. Joe really dropped the ball on the New Bridge Electronics deal. I thought it was a sure thing.

drop the ball - be responsible for a failure, failed effort, or failed attempt

[misiania]

I'm accounts educated so I have one from this department for you.

'Balance sheet'

This is the statement containing list of assets, debts, liabilities, provisions, equity, capital etc.
It also shows/indicates financial position of the business or trader.

[anupumh]

bang for the buck

MEANING: value for the money spent


EXAMPLE:

We were able to get a big bang for our buck when we advertised on the Internet.

[Raymott]

"His handshake is like a wet jellyfish."
He is weak and indecisive. He's not the type of person you can trust.

[anupumh]

back-of-the-envelope calculations

quick calculations; estimates using approximate numbers, instead of exact numbers

Example: I don't need the exact numbers right now. Just give me some back-of-the-envelope calculations.

[anupumh]

belt-tightening

reduction of expenses

Example: When worldwide demand for software decreased, Microsoft had to do some belt-tightening.

[anupumh]

(to) compare apples to oranges

to compare two unlike things; to make an invalid comparison

Example: Comparing a night at EconoLodge with a night at the Four Seasons is like comparing apples to oranges. One is a budget motel, and the other is a luxury hotel.
Note: You will also see the related expression "compare apples to apples" which means to compare two things of the same type. This means that you are making a valid comparison, as opposed to when you're comparing apples to oranges.