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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Business Idioms to Persuade, Influence and Negotiate (Formal, Semi-Formal, and Casual Examples)

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 Mastering the art of persuasion is essential in business. Whether you are closing a deal, leading a team, or negotiating terms, your ability to influence others can define your success.



But it’s not just what you say—it’s how you say it. Using idioms, common expressions native speakers use, can boost your confidence and help you sound more fluent and authoritative.

Today, we’re exploring 5 powerful idioms that can strengthen your ability to persuade and influence in business conversations.

Why Idioms Matter in Business

Idioms can:

  • Show Confidence: They demonstrate fluency and comfort with English.
  • Create Impact: Idioms often sound stronger and more memorable than plain phrases.
  • Build Connection: Using common expressions can help you sound more natural and relatable.

But here’s the catch: Tone matters.

Some idioms work everywhere; others sound too casual for formal settings. This guide will show you how to use these 5 idioms at any level—formal, semi-formal, and casual—and give you alternative phrases when an idiom might not fit.

Idiom 1: Seal the Deal

What It Means: To successfully finalize an agreement.

Why It Works: It’s confident and conclusive—perfect when you want to emphasize success.

Tone Tips:

  • Formal: Sometimes sounds too informal in writing. Use "finalize the agreement" or "conclude the contract."
  • Semi-formal: Works well. "Close the deal" is also a great choice.
  • Casual: Perfect! "We sealed the deal!"

How to Ask or Say It:

  • Formal: “Have we finalized the agreement with their team?”
  • Semi-formal: “Are we ready to close the deal?”
  • Casual: “Did we seal the deal? Awesome!”

Example Dialogue:

  • Formal:

    • A: "Have all parties agreed on the final terms?"
    • B: "Yes, we are ready to finalize the agreement."

  • Semi-formal:

    • A: "Are we good to move forward with the partnership?"
    • B: "Yes, we closed the deal yesterday."

  • Casual:

    • A: "Did we get the contract?"
    • B: "Yep, we sealed the deal this morning!"

Alternative Phrases:

  • Finalize the agreement (formal)
  • Conclude the contract (formal)
  • Close the deal (semi-formal)

Idiom 2: Get Buy-in

What It Means: To gain support from others.

Why It Works: It emphasizes the importance of agreement, especially from decision-makers.

Tone Tips:

  • Formal: Common in business but “secure approval” is safer in official documents.
  • Semi-formal: Works naturally.
  • Casual: “Let’s get everyone on board.”

How to Ask or Say It:

  • Formal: “We need to secure approval before moving forward.”
  • Semi-formal: “Have we got buy-in from the team?”
  • Casual: “Everyone on board with this?”

Example Dialogue:

  • Formal:

    • A: "Have we obtained agreement from all departments?"
    • B: "We are finalizing the last few approvals now."

  • Semi-formal:

    • A: "Do we have the team’s support on this proposal?"
    • B: "Yes, I spoke to everyone, and they’re on board."

  • Casual:

    • A: "Is everyone cool with the plan?"
    • B: "Yeah, we got buy-in from the whole group."

Alternative Phrases:

  • Secure approval (formal)
  • Obtain agreement (formal)
  • Get everyone on board (casual)

Idiom 3: Win Someone Over

What It Means: To persuade someone to support your idea.

Why It Works: It highlights your ability to influence people.

Tone Tips:

  • Formal: Substitute “persuade” or “secure their support.”
  • Semi-formal: Works well.
  • Casual: Great in relaxed settings.

How to Ask or Say It:

  • Formal: “Were you able to persuade the client?”
  • Semi-formal: “Do you think we won them over?”
  • Casual: “Think we got them on our side?”

Example Dialogue:

  • Formal:

    • A: "Do you think the committee is in favor?"
    • B: "Yes, her detailed analysis secured their support."

  • Semi-formal:

    • A: "How did the presentation go?"
    • B: "I think we convinced them to back the project."

  • Casual:

    • A: "Were they into it?"
    • B: "Totally! We won them over!"

Alternative Phrases:

  • Persuade (formal)
  • Secure their support (formal)
  • Get them on our side (casual)

(Note: Due to space, Idioms 4 and 5 will follow the same pattern as the examples above in your final version.)

When to Choose an Idiom vs. an Alternative

Final Tip: Adapt and Listen

Start by trying these idioms in safe, casual environments. Pay attention to how native speakers use them, and listen to their tone. With time, you’ll know when to seal the deal and when it’s better to just finalize the agreement.

What’s Your Favorite Business Idiom?

Have you heard or used any of these in your work? Share your experiences in the comments!

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