“Let’s circle back.”

“We need to leverage our synergies.”

“Think outside the box.”

Sound familiar? If you’ve spent even a little time in the business world, you’ve likely heard these kinds of phrases—sometimes so often that you stop noticing how strange they sound. But what happens when someone does notice? When your audience is unfamiliar with business jargon or comes from a different cultural background, those catchy little expressions can confuse more than clarify.

Welcome to the world of intercultural communication, where clarity matters more than cleverness.

What Are Corporate Clichés?

Corporate clichés are overused phrases that may have once sounded innovative or insightful but have since lost their punch. They include jargon, idioms, and buzzwords that get tossed around in business settings to sound “professional” or “on trend.” The problem? Not everyone speaks the same “corporate” language, especially across cultures.

Why Clichés Can Be a Communication Problem

In a globalized business environment, you may communicate with clients, coworkers, or stakeholders from different countries and cultures. These audiences might not be fluent in English, or if they are, they may not be familiar with American or Western business slang.

1 – “Circle back”

Meaning: Revisit a topic later.

Why it isn’t very clear: This idiom doesn’t translate well. Non-native speakers might wonder, “Circle what back to where?”

Better alternative: “Let’s discuss this again next week.”

2 – “Think outside the box”

Meaning: Be creative or innovative.

Why it isn’t very clear: The phrase makes no literal sense and may be meaningless to someone unfamiliar with the metaphor.

Better alternative: “Let’s develop some new, creative ideas.”

3 – “Hit the ground running”

Meaning: Start a task quickly and with enthusiasm.

Why it’s confusing: Taken literally, it sounds like someone’s falling or racing, not starting a project.

Better alternative: “Begin the project right away with strong effort.”

4 – “Low-hanging fruit”

Meaning: Tasks or opportunities that are easy to achieve.

Why it isn’t very clear: The agricultural imagery is unfamiliar to all cultures.

Better alternative: “Let’s start with the easiest tasks first.”

5 – “Move the needle”

Meaning: Make a noticeable impact or progress.

Why it isn’t very clear: Needle? What needle? This metaphor often leaves people scratching their heads.

Better alternative: “Let’s focus on actions that will make a real difference.”

How to Communicate More Clearly Across Cultures

• Avoid idioms and slang. What sounds catchy to you may be meaningless—or even confusing—to someone else.
• Use plain English. Simple, direct language is always easier to understand.
• Be culturally aware. If your audience is global, consider how they might interpret your words or phrases.
• Ask for feedback. Encourage others to speak up if something isn’t clear. This shows you value understanding over style.
• Clarify when needed. If you use a term that might be unfamiliar, take a moment to explain what you mean.

Final Thoughts

In business communication, the goal isn’t to impress with buzzwords—it’s to connect and be understood. Especially in intercultural settings, avoiding clichés can be the key to building trust and collaboration. So the next time you’re tempted to “touch base,” try saying, “Let’s talk soon.” Clearer. Friendlier. And way more effective.

Remember: Language is a tool, not a trend. Use it wisely—and watch those clichés.

✅ Your Turn: Cut Through the Clichés

Take a moment to review your recent emails, presentations, or conversations. Are you using language that might confuse others, especially those from different cultural or linguistic backgrounds?

Challenge yourself:

Replace at least one corporate cliché this week with clear, inclusive language.

Then, join the discussion on our course Canvas board and share your insights. Let’s learn how to communicate across cultures with clarity, respect, and impact.

🗣️ Words matter—make yours count.