IDIOMS
World of sports
IN ENGLISH, THE BUSINESS WORLD DRAWS SIGNIFICANT INSPIRATION FROM THE WORLD OF SPORTS, WHICH IS REFLECTED IN MANY COMMONLY USED EXPRESSIONS. WE HAVE COMPILED A LIST OF OVER 130 SUCH EXPRESSIONS, COMPLETE WITH EXPLANATIONS AND EXAMPLES.
LIGHTWEIGHT.
In the business world, the term 'lightweight' is used to describe a person, an idea, or an organization that lacks the skills, experience, or credibility required to take on a particular task or responsibility. It generally carries a negative connotation.
The expression comes from the world of sports, especially sports in which competitors are divided into weight classes (boxing, MMA, wrestling, etc.). In this context, lightweights are perceived as being less powerful than heavier categories (heavyweights), which led to its figurative use in business.
Examples of use in a business context:
I don't think he'll succeed in his new role - he's a bit of a lightweight when it comes to handling these responsibilities.
With such a small budget, we might be seen as a lightweight compared to our competitors.
Compared to the defendant's team, our legal team looked lightweight.