Common business idioms (2)

small talk

"Small talk" is conversation about unimportant topics that do not offend people (the weather, for example).

We typically spend about 15 minutes making small talk before we start our meetings.

start off on the right foot

To "start off on the right foot" means to start something in a positive way.

We offered them a very generous price on their first order and everything shipped on time. We really started off on the right foot.

start off on the wrong foot

To "start off on the wrong foot" means to start something in a negative way.

I just switched cable companies. They overcharged me for the first month's service. They really started off on the wrong foot.

the elephant in the room

"The elephant in the room" refers to an obvious problem or controversial issue that no one wants to talk about.

We should have been talking about our huge debt, but no one wanted to talk about the elephant in the room.

time's up

"Time's up" means that the time for something or someone has ended.

I think his time's up as the CEO. They're going to replace him as soon as they find a suitable candidate.