20 Informal Expressions Commonly Used in American Business

Below is a list of 20 informal expressions commonly used in American business settings for daily conversations, memorandums, and emails. These expressions are conversational yet professional enough for workplace communication. Each is accompanied by its meaning and the closest Spanish translation or equivalent expression that conveys a similar tone and context.

1. "Touch base"
- Meaning: To briefly connect or check in with someone.
- Spanish Translation: "Ponerse en contacto" or "Hacer un seguimiento".
- Example: "Let’s touch base next week to discuss the project."
- Spanish Example: "Hagamos un seguimiento la próxima semana para discutir el proyecto."
2. "On the same page"
- Meaning: To be in agreement or have the same understanding.
- Spanish Translation: "Estar en la misma sintonía" or "Estar de acuerdo".
- Example: "I want to make sure we’re all on the same page before moving forward."
- Spanish Example: "Quiero asegurarme de que todos estamos en la misma sintonía antes de
avanzar."
3. "Ballpark figure"
- Meaning: A rough estimate or approximate number.
- Spanish Translation: "Cifra aproximada" or "Estimación general".
- Example: "Can you give me a ballpark figure for the budget?"
- Spanish Example: "¿Me puedes dar una cifra aproximada del presupuesto?"
4. "Get the ball rolling"
- Meaning: To start something, usually a project or process.
- Spanish Translation: "Poner las cosas en marcha" or "Empezar".
- Example: "Let’s get the ball rolling on this campaign."
- Spanish Example: "Pongamos las cosas en marcha con esta campaña."
5. "In the loop"
- Meaning: To be informed or included in communication.
- Spanish Translation: "Estar al tanto" or "Estar informado".
- Example: "Please keep me in the loop on any updates."
- Spanish Example: "Por favor, mantenme al tanto de cualquier novedad."6. "Low-hanging fruit"
- Meaning: Easy tasks or opportunities that require minimal effort.
- Spanish Translation: "Fruta al alcance de la mano" or "Tareas fáciles".
- Example: "Let’s tackle the low-hanging fruit first to show quick results."
- Spanish Example: "Empecemos con las tareas fáciles para mostrar resultados rápidos."
7. "Circle back"
- Meaning: To revisit or follow up on something later.
- Spanish Translation: "Volver a tratar" or "Retomar más tarde".
- Example: "I’ll circle back with you after the meeting."
- Spanish Example: "Volveré a contactarte después de la reunión."
8. "Put a pin in it"
- Meaning: To pause or hold off on discussing something.
- Spanish Translation: "Dejarlo en espera" or "Pausar por ahora".
- Example: "Let’s put a pin in this and move on to the next topic."
- Spanish Example: "Dejemos esto en espera y pasemos al siguiente tema."
9. "Wear multiple hats"
- Meaning: To take on multiple roles or responsibilities.
- Spanish Translation: "Tener varios roles" or "Hacer malabares con varias tareas".
- Example: "In a small company, you often have to wear multiple hats."
- Spanish Example: "En una empresa pequeña, a menudo tienes que hacer malabares con varias tareas."
10. "Drop the ball"
- Meaning: To make a mistake or fail to complete a task.
- Spanish Translation: "Dejar caer la pelota" or "Fallar en algo".
- Example: "We can’t afford to drop the ball on this deadline."
- Spanish Example: "No podemos permitirnos fallar en este plazo."

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• Context: These expressions are informal but widely accepted in American business settings,
  particularly in emails, meetings, or casual workplace conversations. However, their appropriateness
  depends on the company culture and audience (e.g., avoid overly casual phrases in formal memos to
  senior executives).
• Cultural Nuance: Some expressions (e.g., "low-hanging fruit") might sound metaphorical or confusing
  to non-native speakers, so understanding the imagery behind them helps with retention.
• Spanish Equivalents: Some translations are direct, while others are adapted to convey the same
  informal tone.