Business Vocabulary Idioms: The Wild West

Learning objectives

• learn some interesting American English business idioms
• practice key vocabulary on the topic of language and business
• work with “as soon as…” and the prefix “mis-.”

Newsmart Level 3 (B1+, TOEIC 400–550, TOEFL iBT 41–52, IELTS 4.5–5)

Published: on 22 February 2016

Business Vocabulary Idioms: The Wild West

Idioms say a lot about the people who speak a particular language. Different cultures use different idioms which reflect their unique origins and interests. American English business vocabulary is no different. The expressions reflect the preoccupations and origins of many of the people who speak business language. They also add color and interest to the serious business of… business!

As soon as settlers started arriving in the US, they started doing business. In the 1800s many of them headed west in search of gold. Some business vocabulary still in use today dates back to those early times. Let’s look at some terms from this especially colorful period of history, also known as the Old West. Before seeing the idioms in action, let’s test them to check that you know what each one means:

Circle the wagons

Strike it rich

Bite the bullet

Stake your claim

Take the bull by the horns

Now, let’s see them all at work in a single paragraph about an imaginary tech company:

My friend and I had a great idea for a new wearable device, and we were sure that we were going to strike it rich. We decided to take the bull by the horns and stake a claim in the lucrative wearable tech market. Unfortunately, after several months, a much bigger company started making the same product. At first we tried to circle the wagons and get more funding, but eventually it became clear that we would have to bite the bullet and close the business.

Not surprisingly, idioms from the Wild West can show the good, the bad, and the ugly sides of life! A knowledge of American English idioms like these ones can show that you’re interested in the language and culture of the person you’re talking to. Using them correctly can help make connections with people and identify you as a business insider. A well-chosen idiom at the right moment might even help you seal that deal!

You have to be absolutely sure about how and when to use idioms like this, though, because their misuse can lead to misunderstanding and even embarrassment. You would never tell someone to “bite the bullet,” for example, unless you wanted to be very direct. Also, it’s probably best not to use too many Wild West idioms at once, because people might think you learned English by watching old John Wayne films!

Originally published at www.getnewsmart.com.