Idioms are expressions whose meanings are not predictable from the usual meanings of their constituent words, often carrying cultural significance. They’re phrases like “kick the bucket” or “spill the beans,” where the actual meaning (to die or to reveal a secret) differs from the literal interpretation. This post contains idioms that you will commonly hear at work. However, you should keep in mind that they are not exclusively used on the job. They can be used in everyday life. Also, while you need to learn idioms for effective communication, we don’t speak in idioms. What does that mean? You might actually go days or weeks and possibly months without using idioms. So, don’t overdo them.
General work and productivity
Back to the drawing board: Starting over on a project after it has failed.
Example: The marketing campaign flopped, so it’s back to the drawing board to come up with new ideas.
Ballpark figure: A rough estimate.
Example: We need a ballpark figure for the project budget before we can proceed.
Burn the midnight oil: Working late into the night.
Example: The team burned the midnight oil to finish the presentation for the client.
Call it a day: To stop working.
Example: We’ve made good progress today. Let’s call it a day and finish the rest tomorrow.
Close of play: The end of the business day or a period of activity.
Example: The deadline for submitting proposals is by close of play on Friday.
Cut corners: To do something poorly or inadequately in order to save time or money.
Example: The company cut corners on safety to save money, which resulted in an accident.
Get down to brass tacks: To focus on the essential details.
Example: Let’s stop discussing the theory and get down to brass tacks. How much will this project cost?
Get the ball rolling: To start something.
Example: I’ll get the ball rolling by setting up the initial meeting with the stakeholders.
Hit the ground running: To start something quickly and efficiently.
Example: The new CEO hit the ground running and immediately implemented new strategies.
Keep your nose to the grindstone: To work hard and diligently.
Example: If you want to succeed in this industry, you need to keep your nose to the grindstone.
Learn the ropes: To learn how to do a job or task.
Example: The intern is still learning the ropes, but he’s showing great potential.
Pull your weight: To do your fair share of the work.
Example: Everyone needs to pull their weight to ensure the project is completed on time.
See eye to eye: To agree with someone.
Example: The manager and the employee see eye to eye on the importance of customer service.
Stay on top of things: To be organized and in control of your work.
Example: If you want to stay on top of things, you need to be organized and prioritize your tasks.
Take the bull by the horns: To confront a difficult situation directly and bravely.
Example: She took the bull by the horns and confronted the difficult client.
Think outside the box: To think creatively and unconventionally.
Example: To solve this problem, we need to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions.
Meetings and communication
Brainstorm: To generate ideas collaboratively.
Example: Let’s brainstorm some ideas for the new product launch.
Get straight to the point: To avoid unnecessary details and focus on the main issue.
Example: Let’s get straight to the point. We need to discuss the budget.
Put something on the table: To introduce an idea or proposal for discussion.
Example: I’d like to put a new proposal on the table for consideration.
Touch base: To briefly make or renew contact with someone.
Example: I’ll touch base with you next week to discuss the progress on the project.
Problems and challenges
A pain in the neck: Someone or something that is annoying.
Example: Dealing with this paperwork is a real pain in the neck.
Go the extra mile: To do more than is expected.
Example: She went the extra mile and stayed late to help finish the project.
Hit a snag: To encounter a problem or obstacle.
Example: We’ve hit a snag with the software integration, which is delaying the project.
Miss the boat: To miss an opportunity.
Example: They missed the boat on the opportunity to partner with the competitor.
Red tape: Bureaucratic obstacles in getting something done.
Example: We’re facing a lot of red tape in getting the permits approved.
Rock the boat: To cause trouble or disrupt the status quo.
Example: He doesn’t want to rock the boat by voicing his concerns about the new policy.
Success and achievement
Climb the ladder: To advance in a company.
Example: She’s determined to climb the corporate ladder and become a CEO.
Get a promotion: To be advanced to a higher position.
Example: He’s hoping to get a promotion after his successful performance review.
Make a killing: To earn a lot of money quickly.
Example: The company made a killing on the new product launch.
Move up in the world: To become more successful.
Example: She’s working hard to move up in the world and achieve financial security.
Work-life balance
Nine-to-five: A standard workday.
Example: He works a typical nine-to-five job.
Work-life balance: Maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life.
Example: It’s important to maintain a healthy work-life balance to avoid burnout.
Company culture
Team player: Someone who works well with others.
Example: She’s a great team player and always willing to help her colleagues.
Think tank: A group of experts who work together to solve problems.
Example: The company has established a think tank to develop innovative solutions.
This list is not exhaustive, but it comprehensively covers many common idioms you’re likely to encounter in the workplace. Understanding these idioms will help you navigate workplace conversations and better understand the dynamics of your work environment.
