Confident Business English

299. Decode Business Phrases: No More “What Does That Mean?”

19 snips
Nov 12, 2025
Ever found yourself puzzled by business jargon? This discussion breaks down common phrases to boost your confidence in meetings. Learn that 'across the board' means universally applicable, while an 'airtight contract' leaves no room for loopholes. Discover how a 'rule of thumb' serves as a general guideline and what it means to 'beef up' your ideas. Understand 'blanket policy' and its uniform application, and find out why 'dovetail' refers to things fitting together perfectly. Tune in for a fun decoding of business language!
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INSIGHT

Universal Application Explained

  • "Across the board" means a rule or change applies to everyone or every area in an organisation.
  • The phrase originates from horse-racing bets that covered all possible outcomes.
INSIGHT

What Airtight Contract Implies

  • An "airtight contract" means the agreement has no loopholes and is legally secure.
  • The origin is literal: like a sealed container that lets no air in or out.
ADVICE

Use Rule Of Thumb As Guideline

  • Treat "as a rule of thumb" as a flexible general guideline, not a strict rule.
  • Use it to set practical expectations based on experience rather than exact instructions.
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