You’ve probably heard someone at work say, “Let’s table this discussion” or “Do you have the bandwidth for this?” and thought… what table? What bandwidth?
That’s the thing with idioms. You can know every single word in a sentence and still have no clue what it means.
In business English, idioms are everywhere—used in meetings, emails, Slack messages, and presentations. They add color and personality to communication, but they can also be confusing, especially if English isn’t your first language.
This quiz is your chance to test yourself—and learn a few useful idioms along the way.
Business Idioms Quiz – Test Your Knowledge
Think you know your business English idioms? Take the quiz and see how many you get right.
How did you do? Make sure you use these English idioms in your everyday workplace, and challenge a friend!
Why Idioms Matter at Work
Idioms aren’t just for fun. They make communication more fluid and natural. When you understand them, you:
- Follow conversations more easily
- Sound more fluent and confident
- Connect better with colleagues and clients
But don’t worry about memorizing all of them at once. Start with the ones that show up in your daily work, and build from there.
Idiom Meanings and Examples
Once you’ve taken the quiz, check your answers below.
Let’s table this discussion
Meaning: Let’s pause this conversation and come back to it later.
Example: “This is important, but we’re out of time—let’s table it.”
Get our ducks in a row
Meaning: Get everything organized and ready.
Example: “We need to get our ducks in a row before the client meeting.”
I’ll be OOO next week
Meaning: I’ll be out of office.
Example: “Just a heads-up—I’ll be OOO from Wednesday to Friday.”
We’re in the same boat
Meaning: We’re facing the same issue or challenge.
Example: “Deadlines are tough this week. Don’t worry, we’re all in the same boat.”
Let’s circle back to that
Meaning: Let’s return to this topic later.
Example: “Great point. Let’s circle back to it after the break.”
It was a piece of cake
Meaning: It was very easy.
Example: “That client presentation? Piece of cake.”
Focus on the low-hanging fruit
Meaning: Start with the easiest, quickest tasks.
Example: “Let’s tackle the low-hanging fruit before the big projects.”
Do you have the bandwidth to do this?
Meaning: Do you have the time and mental capacity for it?
Example: “I’d love your help on this—do you have bandwidth this week?”
No-brainer
Meaning: A very easy decision.
Example: “Choosing the more affordable option was a no-brainer.”
In a nutshell
Meaning: In short; a summary.
Example: “In a nutshell, the strategy is: grow slow, grow smart.”
Download our Free Guide on Business Idioms
Keep Leveling Up Your English
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Find idioms by topic:
- The 30 Business English Idioms You Absolutely Need
- 8 Helpful Idioms About Solving Problems For Every Situation [Podcast]
- Your New 6 Idioms About Problems [Podcast]
- Problems at Work? Learn These 18 Idioms About Challenges
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- 30 Must-Know Idioms About Negotiations & Agreements
- Once In A Blue Moon… And Other Great Time Idioms
- Top Money Idioms You Need… At All Costs
- 8 Top English Idioms for Successful First Steps! [Podcast]
- Are you Super Busy? Use These 8 English Idioms! [Podcast]
- 10 Helpful Decision-Making Phrases [Podcast]
- Test your knowledge: How many business idioms do you know?
[Note: This article was originally posted on Aug 12, 2019. It’s been updated to make it more relevant for you.]
