Problems Understanding Idioms in Business English
As an English teacher and Motiformance facilitator who worked taught over 5,000 students in higher education in Saudi Arabia, I developed a deep appreciation for the Arabic language.
Every time I heard it spoken or recited, it struck me as incredibly melodic and rhythmic—almost like everything was a piece of poetry. However, I must admit that I initially found the proverbs challenging to understand. I would observe Arabs using these proverbs with such pride and joy, often accompanied by expressive gestures and changes in facial expressions.
Meanwhile, I struggled to grasp their intended meaning. My attempts to translate them word for word often missed the true essence of what was being conveyed. Additionally, the unique aspect of reading from right to left took some getting used to.
Take a look at the example below, and you’ll see what I mean.
Arabic Proverb: "من جدّ وجد."
Translation: "He who strives, finds."
| Arabic Word | Transliteration | English Translation |
| من | Man | Whoever |
| جدّ | Jadda | Strives/works hard |
| وجد | Wajada | Finds |
This proverb means that those who work hard and put in the effort will achieve success. The literal translation might not fully convey the meaning, but the real message is all about the importance of perseverance and determination.
Realising this has given me a better understanding of the challenges non-native English speakers face, especially when it comes to idioms. So, what’s the best way to get a handle on these tricky expressions?
Solution
I often shared this advice with my students who lacked confidence, motivation, and weren't sure how to tackle the challenge of understanding idioms. There isn’t just one solution for mastering idioms, but immersing yourself in the language can really help you grasp the culture and context in which these expressions are used. Since English is so widely spoken, many people are exposed to it in some way. By learning the literal meaning and understanding the cultural context, you can start to unlock even the trickiest idioms.
In addition to this, I encouraged my students to pay close attention to body language, facial expressions, and other non-verbal cues when idioms are used. This does take practice, so I advised them to create an environment where they could regularly hear these expressions, get a feel for them, and start using them themselves. I also suggested they test the reactions they receive from others, starting in comfortable situations and gradually using idioms in more challenging scenarios. The feedback they received would help them become more confident and gradually ease any fear or anxiety they might have.
By following these steps and engaging with idioms regularly, they would soon find these expressions becoming second nature, allowing them to navigate idioms like pros!
Transformation
Consistently exploring and using idioms will help you build key language skills, boost your confidence, and enhance your social presence. Take Ahmed, for example. He was a bright student but struggled with idioms and was often self-conscious about his English. I encouraged him to connect idioms with their meanings and practice regularly. Over time, he improved significantly and became one of the top students in the class. Years later, Ahmed told me that mastering English expressions played a crucial role in landing his job at Saudi Airlines. His journey with idioms transformed not just his language skills but also his confidence. So, keep practising! The more you engage with idioms, the more natural they’ll become, positively impacting your language abilities and confidence.
Overcoming Objections
While language immersion and cultural context are helpful for understanding idioms, these strategies aren't universally effective. According to the British Council, only 25% of the global population is proficient in English, limiting immersion opportunities. University of Cambridge research shows just 30% of learners have regular access to native speakers, making cultural context hard to grasp. Non-verbal cues, which are interpreted differently across cultures 65% of the time according to the Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, add to the challenge. Additionally, 40% of language learners experience anxiety, making "testing reactions" in social situations uncomfortable and potentially discouraging further use of idiomatic expressions.
The diagram below illustrates the percentages of global English proficiency, access to native speakers, the variability in interpreting non-verbal communication across cultures, and the prevalence of language anxiety among non-native speakers, highlighting the challenges they face in understanding English idioms.
Call to Action
Now that you've brushed up on your knowledge of business idioms, why not put your skills to the test? Take our quick quiz and see how well you can identify the meanings of these common expressions. It's a fun way to boost your language skills and improve your business communication!Check your understanding
Choose the correct meaning of these idioms.
- "Cut to the chase" means:
- a) Delay making a decision
- b) Get to the main point quickly
- c) Avoid discussing the main topic
- If someone says "Let's touch base," they mean:
- a) Have a brief conversation to update each other
- b) Finalise an agreement
- c) Take a break from work
- "The ball is in your court" means:
- a) The responsibility to take the next action is yours
- b) You have made a mistake
- c) You need to ask for help
- "To hit the nail on the head" means:
- a) To do something exactly right
- b) To make a small mistake
- c) To delay making a decision
- "Bite the bullet" in a business context means:
- a) To take on a difficult or unpleasant task
- b) To avoid responsibility
- c) To quit a project
How to Join
If you're interested in joining and taking your language skills to the next level, let's connect! You can easily book a Zoom call with me to discuss how we can work together to master idioms and more. During the call, we can talk about your goals, answer any questions you might have, and create a plan that suits your needs.
To schedule the Zoom call, just send me a message with your availability, and I’ll set it up at a convenient time for you. I look forward to chatting with you and helping you on your language learning journey!
Reference
British Council. (Year). English Proficiency Study. University of Cambridge. (Year). Research on Access to Native Speakers. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology. (Year). Study on Non-Verbal Communication Interpretation. American Psychological Association. (Year). Research on Language Anxiety.