How to Choose the Right Examples for Your Job Interview. Job Interview Stories (Part 2)

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 In Part 1 of this series, we focused on clarity before confidence - why being clear about your role and value matters more than sounding impressive. If you prefer to listen rather than read, this topic is also discussed in the Business English Talks podcast, where we break down real interview answers and explain why some of them work better than others. In this article, we move to the next step: choosing the right examples. Even professionals with strong experience often struggle in interviews because they talk about the wrong situations - or they choose examples that are too complex, too vague, or not clearly connected to the question. This article will help you choose examples that are: easy to explain, relevant to the role, and effective in real interview situations. Along the way, you’ll find ready-to-use Business English phrases you can apply immediately. Why examples matter more than job titles Interviewers don’t hire job titles. They hire people who can solve problems and ...
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Speak Like a Pro: Top Business English Idioms for Success in 2025

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 Business English idioms can transform how you communicate, making you sound more fluent, confident, and professional. Whether you’re leading a meeting, negotiating a deal, or collaborating with your team, using the right idioms can leave a lasting impression. In this post, we’ll explore the top idioms for success, collaboration, and leadership in 2025, along with practical examples to help you use them effectively.

1. Idioms for Success


These idioms are perfect for expressing ambition, hard work, and achieving goals:


“Step up to the plate”:

Meaning: To take responsibility or action when needed.

Example: "When the project started falling behind, she stepped up to the plate and turned things around."


“Burn the midnight oil”:

Meaning: To work late into the night to complete a task.

Example: "We had to burn the midnight oil to finish the report before the deadline."


“Climb the corporate ladder”:

Meaning: To advance in one’s career or position.

Example: "He’s been working hard to climb the corporate ladder at his company."


“Bring your A-game”:

Meaning: To perform at your highest level.

Example: "We’ll need to bring our A-game to impress the investors at the presentation."


2. Idioms for Collaboration


Teamwork and collaboration are key in any professional setting. Use these idioms to foster unity:


“Lend a hand”:

Meaning: To help or assist someone.

Example: "If everyone lends a hand, we can complete the project ahead of schedule."


“Get the ball rolling”:

Meaning: To start an activity or project.

Example: "Let’s get the ball rolling on this proposal and finalize the draft by tomorrow."


“Many hands make light work”:

Meaning: A task becomes easier when more people work on it.

Example: "With everyone contributing, we finished the setup quickly—many hands make light work."


“Two heads are better than one”:

Meaning: Collaboration leads to better results.

Example: "Let’s brainstorm ideas together—two heads are better than one."


3. Idioms for Leadership


These idioms will help you inspire and guide others effectively:


“Call the shots”:

Meaning: To be in charge or make the decisions.

Example: "As the team leader, she’s the one calling the shots on this project."


“Pave the way”:

Meaning: To create the conditions for others to succeed.

Example: "Her innovative approach paved the way for the company’s expansion into new markets."


“Throw your weight around”:

Meaning: To use authority in an assertive way.

Example: "The manager threw his weight around to ensure the team got the resources they needed."


“Break new ground”:

Meaning: To innovate or do something unprecedented.

Example: "This new technology breaks new ground in renewable energy solutions."


4. Practical Examples in Action


Here’s how these idioms can be used in real business conversations:


Scenario: Launching a New Project


"Let’s get the ball rolling on this campaign and assign tasks today."


"We’ll need everyone to bring their A-game to make this launch successful."


Scenario: Team Collaboration


"Can you lend a hand with these final edits before we submit the report?"


"Two heads are better than one—let’s brainstorm some creative solutions."


Scenario: Leadership Decisions


"As the project manager, I’ll call the shots to keep everything on track."


"Our team is breaking new ground with this innovative approach."


5. Tips for Using Idioms Effectively


Understand the Context: Use idioms in situations where they fit naturally.


Don’t Overuse: Balance idioms with clear, direct language.


Practice: Incorporate idioms into your daily conversations to build confidence.


Using idioms in Business English not only enhances your communication but also shows cultural fluency and professionalism. Try incorporating these idioms into your meetings, emails, and presentations to leave a lasting impression in 2025.


🎙️ Want to dive deeper? Check out our podcast Business English Talks for more tips and examples.


What’s your favorite Business English idiom? Share it in the comments below!

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