Communication idioms

Blowing smoke

Have you ever considered buying something—whether a product or service—and the person selling this item told you that their product or service was just what you’ve been searching for? If your gut (intuition) told you that this person was just telling you what you wanted to hear or, worse, wasn’t telling the truth, you probably didn’t make this purchase. In other words, you sensed that this person was “blowing smoke.” 
 
Here’s an example of how to use this expression: “Xuanyi, this firm is trying to sell you their services, saying that you’ll be thrilled with their attention to your needs. But, they don’t have any experience in the service you’re looking for. They’re just blowing smoke to get your business.

Blow your own horn

If you have a business you need to grow or you want to make sure your company knows how valuable you are, you’d “blow your own horn.” In other words, you’d promote your business or yourself.  
 
Do you want to learn how to do so? If so, check out the relevant Fast Track English articles concerning: 
- speaking up in a meeting 
- meeting with the boss 
- writing and delivering a presentation 
- writing and delivering a client presentation. 
 
Get tooting! 

Cut to the chase

If someone tells you to “cut to the chase,” he’s saying that you should forget about the unnecessary details and just focus on the main point or issue.  
 
Here’s an example of how you can use this expression: “That salesman was rambling on about his services. I’d heard enough. So I said, ‘Cut to the chase. How will your services help my company grow its revenues or reduce its expenses?’ Stunned, he stopped talking and said that he hadn’t thought about that. So, I showed him out.” 

Hit the nail on the head

If you analyze a situation or problem accurately, others might say that you “hit the nail on the head.” For example, if you say that the reason retail stores are struggling is that people are fearful that they could lose their jobs and, therefore, are reluctant to spend. 
 
In more casual circumstances, you might make a comment that acknowledges an obvious situation. Let’s say that you and your friends dine out. When you receive the check, you say, “The food was good but not that good. This check is outrageous!” Your friends might say that you’ve really “hit the nail on the head.” 

Play devil’s advocate 
To stimulate discussion, a person may say that he’s “playing devil’s advocate” in order to state a position on an issue—even if he doesn’t believe in that perspective. 

On the other hand, if someone wants to present a counter argument that he does believe in, he may also say that he’s “playing devil's advocate.” By doing so, he presents his ideas in a low-key or more diplomatic manner.

Here’s an example of how to use this expression: “While we’ve concluded that it’s nearly impossible to bring about permanent peace in the Middle East, let me play devil's advocate on this issue. If the new U.S. President were to send a special envoy to the region, perhaps both sides might be willing to talk.”