Master the idioms, jargon, and phrases that top professionals use every day.
Welcome to the Phrase File Master List. If you’ve ever felt “lost in translation” during a high-stakes meeting or confused by a cryptic email, you’re in the right place. Modern Business English is more than just grammar; it’s a collection of idioms, metaphors, and cultural shorthand that can feel like a secret code.
The Phrase File is here to crack that code. We break down the most common American business expressions so you can speak with confidence and authority.
Our mission is to bridge the gap between “textbook English” and the “real-world boardroom.” We believe that communication shouldn’t be a barrier to your career growth. By mastering these phrases, you aren’t just learning words. You’re learning how to lead, how to align, and how to command respect in any professional setting.
To see these phrases in action, keep up with our original series: Mills World Media. We’ve taken the jargon you hear every day and placed it into a fictional, high-stakes marketing agency. It’s light, it’s relatable, and it’s the ultimate “lab” for seeing how Business English actually works (and what happens when it goes wrong!).
How to use this Guide
- Search by Category: Use the sections below to find phrases for meetings, feedback, or strategy.
- Watch & Listen: Every entry includes a video from our YouTube Reels to help you with pronunciation and tone.
- Practice: Join the conversation in the comments of each post to get real-time feedback on your usage.
Communication & Meeting Phrases
How to keep the conversation moving and ensure everyone is aligned.
30,000-foot View – a high-level, general overview (not details)
Are We On the Same Page? – confirms mutual understanding and alignment
Cut to the Chase – to get straight to the point without unnecessary details
Drill Down – to look closely at the details of a subject or data
Let’s Circle Back – redirects off-topic questions without being rude
Let’s Put a Pin in That – to pause or postpone a discussion on a topic
Let’s Take This Offline – keeps meetings focused for the majority
Let’s Touch Base – suggests a short update
Reach Out – to contact someone (by phone, email, etc.)
What’s the Action Item? – What specific task needs to be completed next?
Strategy, Planning, & Innovation Phrases
Phrases for the “big picture” thinkers.
Financial & Results Phrases
These revolve around money, performance, and key results.
Workplace & Team Phrases
Talking about company culture, people, and daily work life.