Idioms: compromising

This ESL worksheet is about compromising and idioms used when talking about making compromises. It can be used both as a Business English and General English lesson, and combined with the worksheets “Phrasal verbs: communication”, “Phrasal verbs: negotiations”, and “Phrasal verbs: solving problems”, as well as “Idioms: deals and agreements” and  “Idioms: forgiveness and acceptance“.

The first 6 idioms (e.g. to find common ground, to take the rough with the smooth, to take one for the team) are introduced through a short text about compromising and how important it is in all kinds of relationships (business, romantic, etc.). Students work out the meaning of the idioms and match them to their definitions. Then they complete 5 opinions about relationships with the correct idioms and discuss the opinions.

The rest of the idioms (e.g. to meet halfway, not budge an inch, to split the difference) are introduced through a dialogue about a negotiation strategy. After matching the idioms to their definitions, students paraphrase 3 sentences, using the correct idiom.

The rest of the activities are focused on speaking. First, students are given 3 situations which they need to role-play and find a compromise. Next, they are given 2 scenarios, in which they need to work together, negotiate and compromise in order to find a solution.

You can use the printable conversation cards to review the idioms and for additional speaking practice. You can combine this worksheet with other lessons about relationships, conflict resolution, negotiating, and compromising.