Medellin Executive English

💡 English Tip #7 — THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX

This idiom is powerful — but it loses impact when overused.

Use it when you genuinely want creative thinking, not just as a filler phrase. Pair it with a real challenge or problem for maximum effect.

Tip: in English, the best communicators use idioms at the right moment, not constantly.

What's a situation at work where you'd need to think outside the box? 👇

💡 English Tip #6 — TOUCH BASE

If you work with English-speaking companies or teams, you WILL hear this.

'Let's touch base at the end of the week.'
'I'll touch base with the client tomorrow.'

It means: let's have a brief, informal check-in — not a formal meeting.

Have you heard this expression before? Would you feel comfortable using it? 👇

💡 English Tip #5 — BACK TO SQUARE ONE

In professional life, setbacks happen. How you talk about them in English matters.

Saying 'we're back to square one' is direct, calm, and professional — it shows you understand the situation and are ready to move forward.

It's used in meetings, project updates, and client calls all the time.

Have you ever been back to square one? What happened? 👇

💡 English Tip #4 — ONCE IN A BLUE MOON

This is one of the most common idioms in everyday English — and one of the most misused by learners.

Key rule: it means VERY rarely. Almost never. Not 'sometimes' or 'occasionally.'

Example: 'I once in a blue moon go to the cinema — I'm usually too busy.'

Can you make a true sentence about yourself using this phrase? 👇

💡 English Tip #3 — The grammar is fine. The idioms are the problem.

Students spend years on tenses and still feel lost in real conversations. Why? Because native speakers don't say 'I rarely do that' — they say 'once in a blue moon.'

Idioms are the hidden layer of English. At MC English, we teach them in context — the way they're actually used.

Which idiom do you already know? Drop it below! 👇

📌 Phrase of the Week: HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD

When someone says exactly the right thing, don't just say 'correct' — say THIS.

It's warm, encouraging, and very natural in both casual and professional conversations. Great for meetings, feedback sessions, and discussions.

Has someone ever hit the nail on the head with advice they gave you? 👇

📌 Phrase of the Week: CUT TO THE CHASE

In busy workplaces, people appreciate it when you get to the point fast.

This idiom shows confidence and respects your listener's time. Use it to signal that you're about to say the key message — no fluff, no delay.

When was the last time you wished someone would just cut to the chase? 😄

📌 Phrase of the Week: ON THE SAME PAGE

Misunderstandings at work often happen because teams are NOT on the same page.

This phrase is the professional way to check alignment — in meetings, emails, and client calls. Use it before you start, not after things go wrong.

Are you and your team always on the same page? Tell us! 👇

📌 Phrase of the Week: GET THE BALL ROLLING

This idiom is everywhere in English-speaking offices. You'll hear it to open meetings, kick off projects, and push things forward when nothing is happening.

Tip: use it when YOU want to start something — it sounds confident and decisive.

What would you use it to start? Tell us below! 👇

📌 Phrase of the Week: UNDER THE WEATHER

In English, you don't always say 'I am sick.' Native speakers use softer, more natural phrases like this one — especially in professional settings.

Next time you're not feeling 100%, try it.

Have YOU used this expression before? 👇

📌 Phrase of the Week: BREAK THE ICE

Every professional meeting, networking event, or first class has a moment of silence when nobody wants to speak first.

This is your phrase to end that silence.

Can you use 'break the ice' in a sentence? Drop it below! 👇