idioms

• Neck and neck


  to be level with, extremely close or near an equal level as your competitor
• In the driver's seat


  to be in control of a situation
• Like flogging a dead horse


  used to describe a pointless exercise that is not going to work
• To move the goal post


  to change the rules or the targets at any time without consultation
• A level playing field 


  used to described a situation when everything is equal and fair to all competitors
• My hands are tied


  not being able to behave freely due to some existing restrictions
• are a group of words with an established meaning unrelated to the meaning of the individual words.

  Idiomatic expressions (idiom)
• Idioms often rely on analogies and metaphorsLinks to an external site.. Because they’re used so often in everyday EnglishLinks to an external site., if you don’t know them, it’s almost impossible to understand the context.
• The key to understanding English idioms is never to look at them or read them in a literal sense—the words just won’t make sense together. Instead, you need to learn them in contextLinks to an external site. so you can understand their true meaning.
• Idioms help us “think outside the box”
• Incorporating idioms into your conversation is an effective way to make your language creativeLinks to an external site..
• This is because an idiom can be used as an artistic expression. 
• A penny saved is a penny earned.


  By not spending money, you’re really saving money.
• Idioms help us find our “sense of humor”
• Idioms “dress [our conversation or writing] to impress”
• Get the sack


  to be fired
• Hanging by a thread


  in great danger of elimination or failure
• Off the hook


  free from blame or responsibility to do something
• Rank and file


  the ordinary members of an organization
• Move up in the world

  become more successful
• Give someone the old heave-ho

  fire someone, remove someone from a group or team
• pink slip 


  a layoff notice; loss of a job, typically because of layoffs
• Out of work


  unemployed
• Burn the candle at both ends

  work very long hours
• On the same page


  understanding a situation in the same way
• All things considered


  taking all factors into consideration
• Fish or cut bait

  make a decision or give someone else a chance
• Business Idioms: Decision
• In hot water


  in need of help; in trouble
• head (go) south

  decline, get worse
• (An) Uphill Climb


  a difficult process
• 24/7


  "24/7" means 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• a tough break


  When something unfortunate happens
• ahead of the curve

  more advanced than the competition.
• ahead of the pack


  means to be better or more successful than the competition.
• ASAP

  as soon as possible
• at stake


  at risk
• back to square one

  means to start something over again.
• back to the drawing board

  means to start something over and go back to the planning stage.
• backroom deal


  an agreement or decision that is made without the public knowing about it.