Pick a language to speakRight Arrow
Ready to learn?
Pick a language to get started!

‘Sliding In On A Shrimp Sandwich’: The Best International Business Jargon

International chambers of commerce share their favorite cliché corporate phrases from countries around the world.
‘Sliding In On A Shrimp Sandwich’: The Best International Business Jargon

“Thanks for reaching out.”
“I just wanted to touch base with you.”
“Let’s circle back on these action items once I get my ducks in a row.”

If you’ve ever worked in an office in the United States, you’ve probably heard at least one of these examples of corporate jargon. They’re overused, banal and essentially meaningless, but they can also be fun to think about.

If you run out of American expressions, it turns out other countries have their own business jargon in their own languages. We spoke with representatives from 10 international chambers of commerce in the U.S., who shared one or two of the most common expressions from their countries. These corporate idioms provide a window into the business culture and communication of nations around the world.

Indonesia

Phrase:Asal bapak senang
Literal translation: “Keeping Father happy”
Meaning: Hiding bad news from the boss; being a ‘yes-man’

Phrase:Jam karet
Translation: “Rubber time”
Meaning: Flexible timing or expected tardiness for meetings

Source: American Indonesian Chamber of Commerce

Belgium

Phrase:Hij heeft zijn schaapjes op het droge
Literal translation: “He has his sheep on dry land”
Meaning: He doesn’t need to worry – he has a lot of money

Phrase:De kogel is door de kerk
Translation: “The bullet is through the church”
Meaning: The decision has been made

Source: Belgian-American Chamber of Commerce

Brazil

Phrase:Brilho no olho
Literal translation: “Gleam in the eye”
Meaning: Dedication to work; great passion about what one does

Source: Brazilian-American Chamber of Commerce

The Netherlands

Phrase:Water naar de zee dragen
Literal translation: “Carrying water to the sea”
Meaning: A futile activity

Source: Dutch American Chamber

France

Phrase:Vouloir le beurre et l’argent du beurre
Literal translation: “Wanting the butter and the butter’s money”
Meaning: Wanting to keep everything for oneself without leaving anything for others

Phrase:Avoir du pain sur la planche
Translation: “To have bread on the cutting board”
Meaning: We’ve got work to do

Source: French-American Chamber of Commerce

Germany

Phrase:Die Milchmädchenrechnung
Literal translation: “Milkmaid calculation”
Meaning: A naive calculation or reasoning

Phrase:Jetzt‘s geht’s um die Wurst!
Translation: “Now it is about the sausage!”
Meaning: The final stages of a project/the moment when it counts

Source: German American Chamber of Commerce

Greece

Phrase: Του έψησε το ψάρι στα χείλη
Literal translation: “He cooked the fish on his lips”
Meaning: He made his life difficult

Phrase: πού πας ξυπόλητος στα αγκάθια
Translation: “Where are you going, barefoot on thorn?”
Meaning: Why are you taking over such a hard task?

Source: Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce

Norway

Phrase:Det gikk litt fort i svingene
Literal translation: “The speed was too high in the turns”
Meaning: Making mistakes by rushing to get a task done

Source: Norwegian-American Chamber of Commerce

Poland

Phrase:Co ma piernik do wiatraka?
Literal translation: “What does gingerbread have to do with a windmill?”
Meaning: What does one task have to do with another?

Phrase: “Łatwiej pałac skrytykować niż psu budę postawić
Translation: “It’s easier to criticize a palace than to build a doghouse”
Meaning: It’s easier to criticize than to help build something small

Source: Polish American Chamber of Commerce

Sweden

Phrase:Glida in på en räkmacka
Literal translation: “Sliding in on a shrimp sandwich”
Meaning: To have things easy; to succeed without having to work hard

Phrase: “Peka med hela handen
Translation: ”Pointing with the whole hand”
Meaning: To forcefully instruct someone

Source: Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce

Learn fun idioms and more in a new language!
Dylan Lyons
Dylan is a senior content producer, overseeing video and podcast projects for the U.S. team. He studied journalism at Ithaca College and has an MBA from NYU. Before joining Babbel, Dylan managed social media for CBS News. His interests include reading, writing, politics, and anything sweet. Dylan lives in New York City.
Dylan is a senior content producer, overseeing video and podcast projects for the U.S. team. He studied journalism at Ithaca College and has an MBA from NYU. Before joining Babbel, Dylan managed social media for CBS News. His interests include reading, writing, politics, and anything sweet. Dylan lives in New York City.

Recommended Articles

Jargon Watch: Diner Lingo And The Language Of Food

Jargon Watch: Diner Lingo And The Language Of Food

Do you know the difference between moo juice and city juice? Find out all about the history of diner lingo.
Expert Picks — Books and Films You Should Check Out Before Traveling Abroad

Expert Picks — Books and Films You Should Check Out Before Traveling Abroad

Foreign ambassadors to the U.S. share their book and movie recommendations for visitors to their countries. Be sure to read and watch them before you go!
Jargon Watch: Pilot Lingo And The Language Of The Sky

Jargon Watch: Pilot Lingo And The Language Of The Sky

A brief guide to how pilots talk, from Alpha to Zulu.