Communicating Naturally - Idioms

Question 1

In a nutshell, e.g., I will summarise the findings of the report in a nutshell, providing a high-level overview of the insights.

Answer 1

In summary

Question 2

A ballpark figure, e.g., I will give you a ballpark figure for the cost of the project, based on past projects of similar scope.

Answer 2

An estimate

Question 3

To touch base (with), e.g., Let’s schedule a meeting to touch base with the stakeholders and ensure that the project was on track.

Answer 3

To contact (someone)

Question 4

To do things by the book, e.g., We always adhere to the industry’s best practices to do things by the book when cleaning and analyzing the data.

Answer 4

To comply strictly with the rules

Question 5

To get to grips with (something)
E.g., Given the client’s feedback, we’ll have to go back to the drawing board on the dashboard.

Answer 5

To begin to understand or deal with something effectively.

Question 6

To go back to the drawing board
E.g., Let’s get to grips with the root cause of the website downtime to prevent future issues.

Answer 6

To start over or rethink a plan after it has failed

Question 7

Up and running
Eg., The system upgrade is now up and running, improving our reporting efficiency.

Answer 7

Operating or functioning as expected.