Idioms for Making Decisions

(Give Someone) Carte Blanche

• Meaning: Allow someone complete freedom; entrust a decision to someone.
• Example: We gave the new project manager carte blanche to make any changes necessary to improve the team’s productivity.

All Things Being Equal

• Meaning: Assuming everything is the same.
• Example: All things being equal, we should choose the option that costs less.

Up for Grabs

• Meaning: Available to be taken or chosen.
• Example: The promotion is up for grabs, so we should all apply for it.

On the Bubble

• Meaning: Uncertain or undecided.
• Example: The outcome of the election is still on the bubble, with both candidates having a chance to win.

All Told

• Meaning: Considering everything.
• Example: All told, we spent over $10,000 on our vacation.

All Things Considered

• Meaning: Taking everything into account.
• Example:  All things considered, we decided to cancel the project due to budget constraints.

Up in the Air

• Meaning: Uncertain or undecided.
• Example: The future of the company is up in the air, with rumors of a merger circulating.

Raise Red Flags

• Meaning: To signal a potential problem or issue.
• Example: The lack of communication from the team leader raised red flags about the project’s progress.

Rubber-Stamp (v.)

• Meaning: To approve or authorize without much thought.
• Example: The manager rubber-stamped the proposal without reviewing it thoroughly.

Take It or Leave It (command)

• Meaning: Accept the offer as is or decline it.
• Example: The seller said, “This is my final offer. Take it or leave it.”

Out of the Loop

• Meaning: Not informed or included in the decision-making process.
• Example: The new employee felt out of the loop because he wasn’t invited to the team meeting.

On the Same Page

• Meaning: In agreement or understanding.
• Example: We need to get everyone on the same page before we can move forward with the project.

Hobson’s Choice

• Meaning: A choice among bad options.
• Example: The restaurant only had one dish left, so it was Hobson’s choice between that or nothing.

Flip-Flop (v. or n.)

• Meaning: To vacillate between two choices, to be indecisive.
• Example: The politician’s flip-flop on the issue made it hard to trust him.

Fish or Cut Bait (usually an exclamation)

• Meaning: To make a decision and take action.
• Example: The boss said, “It’s time to fish or cut bait. We need to decide whether to expand the business or not.”