Idioms: decisions and discussion

Vocabulary in this set

Use ten idioms to discuss problems, decisions, effort, and contrasting viewpoints.

1. cut to the chase

   Expression

   get directly to the main point

   Let us cut to the chase and discuss the main risk.

2. hit the nail on the head

   Expression

   identify the exact cause or main point

   You hit the nail on the head with that explanation.

3. beat around the bush

   Expression

   avoid saying the main point directly

   Please do not beat around the bush during the review.

4. the ball is in your court

   Expression

   it is your turn to decide or act

   I have shared the options; the ball is in your court.

5. take the bull by the horns

   Expression

   face a difficult problem directly and confidently

   We need to take the bull by the horns and fix the process.

6. bite the bullet

   Phrase

   accept and face something difficult or unpleasant

   I decided to bite the bullet and admit the mistake.

7. bite off more than you can chew

   Expression

   accept more work than you can manage

   Do not bite off more than you can chew this month.

8. go the extra mile

   Expression

   make more effort than is expected

   She will go the extra mile to help a new colleague.

9. take it with a grain of salt

   Expression

   treat a claim with some doubt

   If a claim has no source, take it with a grain of salt.

10. play devil's advocate

    Phrase

    argue for an opposing view to test an idea

    I will play devil's advocate and question our assumption.