Learning Business English doesn’t have to be boring. In fact, one of the most fun and effective ways to learn Business English idioms is by watching workplace comedies. These shows are full of casual conversations, real-world expressions, and business-related idioms that can help English learners improve their vocabulary, listening, and speaking skills.
In this article, we’ll explore how to learn Business English idioms using popular workplace comedy shows. We’ll explain what idioms are, why they matter in business settings, and highlight some of the most useful idioms used in hit comedies like The Office, Parks and Recreation, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
What Are Business English Idioms?
Idioms are expressions whose meanings aren’t obvious from the individual words. For example, “think outside the box” doesn’t literally mean stepping outside a box—it means to think creatively. In business contexts, idioms like this are used all the time in meetings, emails, presentations, and casual office conversations.
If you want to understand native English speakers or sound more fluent in a professional setting, learning idioms is essential.
Why Learn from Workplace Comedies?
Workplace comedies are ideal for learning business idioms because they:
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Use real conversational English in a business environment.
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Present idioms in context, making them easier to understand and remember.
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Make learning enjoyable, which helps you stay motivated.
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Show cultural nuances and humor often used in Western workplaces.
Some of the best workplace comedies for learning Business English include:
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The Office (US & UK)
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Parks and Recreation
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Brooklyn Nine-Nine
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Superstore
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30 Rock
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Ted Lasso
These shows are not only hilarious—they’re filled with valuable expressions used in offices around the world.
10 Useful Business Idioms from Workplace Comedies
Let’s look at 10 common business idioms, how they’re used in workplace comedies, and how you can use them in real life.
1. Think outside the box – The Office
Meaning: Be creative or unconventional.
Example: “We need to think outside the box to solve this client issue.”
2. Get the ball rolling – Parks and Recreation
Meaning: Start something, especially a project or task.
Example: “Let’s get the ball rolling on next quarter’s budget plan.”
3. Touch base – Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Meaning: Make contact or briefly communicate.
Example: “Let’s touch base next week about the proposal.”
4. Back to the drawing board – Superstore
Meaning: Start over because the first plan failed.
Example: “The campaign didn’t work, so it’s back to the drawing board.”
5. Cut corners – The Office
Meaning: Do something poorly or cheaply to save time or money.
Example: “Don’t cut corners on this report—it’s going to the CEO.”
6. On the same page – Ted Lasso
Meaning: In agreement or having the same understanding.
Example: “Before we meet the client, let’s make sure we’re on the same page.”
7. By the book – Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Meaning: Follow rules exactly.
Example: “The auditor wants everything done by the book.”
8. In the loop – 30 Rock
Meaning: Informed and up to date.
Example: “Keep me in the loop about the new hires.”
9. Game plan – Parks and Recreation
Meaning: Strategy or plan of action.
Example: “What’s our game plan for tomorrow’s meeting?”
10. Throw someone under the bus – The Office
Meaning: Blame someone else to protect yourself.
Example: “She threw her teammate under the bus when the project failed.”
How to Learn Idioms While Watching Workplace Comedies
1. Turn on English Subtitles
Subtitles help you catch idioms as they’re spoken. Pause and rewind to understand the full context.
2. Keep a Notebook
Write down idioms you hear, their meanings, and example sentences. Review them weekly.
3. Repeat and Practice
After hearing an idiom, say it out loud. Try using it in your own sentences.
4. Watch with a Purpose
Choose one or two episodes per week and focus on language—not just the story.
5. Test Yourself
After watching, quiz yourself on what idioms were used and how they were used.
Bonus Tips for ESL Learners
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Start with short episodes like The Office (20–25 minutes).
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Watch with a friend or tutor to discuss idioms afterward.
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Join online forums or comment sections to see how fans talk about the shows using idioms.
Final Thoughts
Workplace comedies are more than just funny—they’re packed with useful business idioms and natural English expressions. By watching shows like The Office, Parks and Recreation, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, you can learn to speak more confidently and fluently in professional situations.
So the next time you want to relax, why not “kill two birds with one stone”? Turn on a workplace comedy and boost your Business English at the same time. You’ll laugh, learn, and level up your language skills—all in one sitting.