This lesson trains 37 C2 idioms on Business. Idioms signal fluency when used naturally — forcing them into every sentence hurts your score. Practise in the runner first, then revisit every expression in the glossary. Review mode after completion shows how each idiom fits its context.
On the house
Free of charge; paid for by the owner.
The restaurant owner offered the dessert free to apologize for the delay.
Go belly up
To fail completely or go bankrupt.
After only six months, the new restaurant closed because it could not attract enough customers.
Keep your finger on the pulse
To be aware of the latest developments or trends.
The marketing director always knew what customers wanted.
Back on track
Returning to the correct or original course after a problem.
After resolving the supply chain issues, the project resumed its original schedule.
A cushy number
An easy and comfortable job or situation.
The new role involved very little work and excellent pay.
Keep your cards close to your chest
To keep your plans or thoughts secret.
The negotiator did not reveal his bottom line during the early discussions.
Play the waiting game
To delay taking action in order to gain an advantage later.
The company decided not to respond immediately to the competitor's move.
Gardening leave
A period when an employee is paid but not allowed to work, usually after resigning.
After handing in his notice, he was told to stay away from the office for three months.
Go bust
To fail financially and close down.
The small shop could not compete with the large supermarket chain.
Launch a campaign
To start a planned series of actions to achieve a goal.
The charity began a major effort to raise awareness about climate change.
A cloud on the horizon
A sign of possible future trouble.
The sudden drop in sales was the first warning of larger problems ahead.
A dead duck
Something that has failed completely and has no future.
The proposed merger collapsed and could not be revived.
The fact of the matter is
Used to emphasize the truth of a situation.
Despite all the excuses, the project was behind schedule.
Batten down the hatches
To prepare for a difficult or dangerous situation by making everything secure.
The company knew a major economic downturn was coming and began cutting non-essential costs.
Domino effect
A chain reaction in which one event causes similar events to happen one after another.
The bankruptcy of one bank led to the collapse of several others.
On the one hand, on the other hand
Used to introduce two contrasting points.
The plan had advantages but also disadvantages.
Two sides of the same coin
Two different aspects of the same situation.
The new policy brought both benefits and drawbacks.
Tick all the boxes
To satisfy every requirement or criterion completely.
The candidate had the right qualifications, experience, and references for the position.
Hand sth to sb on a plate
To give someone something without them having to make any effort.
The competitor made a serious mistake and handed the contract to the other company.
Across the board
Affecting everyone or everything equally and completely.
The company announced a uniform salary increase for all employees regardless of department.
Be au fait with
To be familiar with or knowledgeable about something.
After attending several international conferences, she understood the latest trends in sustainable architecture.
Ad hoc
Created or done for a particular purpose without prior planning.
The emergency committee was formed quickly to handle the crisis without a permanent structure.
For good reason
With a valid justification.
The meeting was cancelled because of the severe weather.
In the cold light of day
When something is considered calmly and realistically the next day.
After the emotional argument, they reviewed the contract again the following morning.
Be in over your head
To be involved in something that is too difficult for you.
The new manager was given a project that required more experience than he had.
Cloud on the horizon
A sign of possible future trouble.
The sudden drop in sales was the first warning of larger problems ahead.
Cut both ways
To have both advantages and disadvantages; to affect both sides.
The new tax law helped some businesses but hurt others equally.
Corner the market
To gain control of the supply of a particular product so that one can control its price.
The company bought up almost all available stock of the rare mineral.
Go to the wall
To fail or go out of business.
Many small shops could not compete with the large supermarkets.
First and foremost
Most importantly.
The safety of the passengers was the main priority.
On balance
After considering all the advantages and disadvantages.
The benefits of the new system clearly outweighed the initial costs.
Into the bargain
In addition to what has already been mentioned; as well.
The hotel offered a free breakfast and late checkout.
Go by the board
To be abandoned or forgotten.
All the original plans had to be discarded when the new regulations came into force.
Be built on sand
To have a weak or unstable foundation.
The entire business plan lacked proper market research and financial backing.
All-singing, all-dancing
Including every possible feature or capability; fully equipped.
The new software version included video editing, AI tools, and cloud integration.
Donkey work
The hard, boring, and basic part of a job.
The junior staff had to do all the routine data entry while the managers made the decisions.
Bluff your way
To succeed in a situation by pretending to know more than you do.
He had no formal qualifications but managed to get the job by talking confidently.