25 work-related idioms
Idioms aren’t just fun to learn; they also help you speak English more like a native speaker. In this guide, we’ll dive into 25 popular work-related idioms that can spice up your conversations and help you fit in better at your workplace. Each idiom is explained simply and comes with two examples to show you how to use them smoothly in your daily work life.
1. Climb the corporate ladder
To advance in a company’s hierarchy.
Through sheer determination, he climbed the corporate ladder, moving from intern to senior manager in just five years.
2. Back to the drawing board
To start a task over because the last attempt failed.
After the product flopped in the market, the team had no choice but to go back to the drawing board and redesign the product.
3. Call it a day
To stop working for the day.
Once the report was finished, she decided to call it a day and relax with some coffee.
4. Get down to business
To start focusing on the most important issues.
After a brief chat about the weekend, the manager suggested it was time to get down to business and discuss the project deadlines.
5. Think outside the box
To think creatively, beyond the usual ways of thinking.
The marketing team was encouraged to think outside the box to find a strategy that would set the brand apart from competitors.
6. In the driver’s seat
To be in control of a situation.
With the new promotion, she found herself in the driver’s seat, making critical decisions about the company’s future.
7. On the same page
Agreeing with someone.
It took a while, but the management team was finally on the same page regarding the new strategic direction.
8. Move the goalposts
To change the rules or targets in a situation.
The development team was frustrated because the client kept moving the goalposts, demanding new features after the contract was agreed upon.
9. Game plan
A strategy or plan.
She laid out the game plan meticulously, ensuring all team members knew their roles and expectations for the upcoming project.
10. Touch base
To briefly make or renew contact with someone.
He made it a point to touch base with every department head weekly to keep the lines of communication open.
11. Seal the deal
To finalize an agreement.
After months of negotiation, they finally sealed the deal with a comprehensive agreement outlining all terms and conditions.
12. Run-of-the-mill
Average, ordinary.
Unlike the run-of-the-mill customer service training, this program was tailored to each employee’s needs and strengths.
13. By the book
Following rules strictly.
The audit showed that she managed the finances by the book, which is why there were no discrepancies found.
14. Cut corners
To do something poorly or cheaply.
Cutting corners on the construction materials led to structural problems later on.
15. Ahead of the curve
To be more advanced than the competition.
Always ahead of the curve, the company introduced features that wouldn’t become standard in the industry for several more years.
16. From the ground up
To start from the beginning.
Creating a new division from the ground up, she recruited a team that would go on to exceed all performance targets in their first year.
17. Go the extra mile
To do more than what is expected.
To ensure the product launch was a success, the entire team went the extra mile, working late hours and double-checking every detail.
18. Keep your nose to the grindstone
To work hard and steadily.
She kept her nose to the grindstone during her first year at the law firm, which paid off when she was assigned to higher-profile cases.
19. Play hardball
To be aggressive and uncompromising in pursuit of one’s goals.
The company played hardball, refusing to accept any terms that would compromise its profit margins.
20. Round the clock
All day and all night.
The customer service department operates round the clock to assist clients from different time zones.
21. Take the bull by the horns
To face a problem directly.
As the new CEO, he took the bull by the horns, restructuring the failing departments within his first three months.
22. Under the radar
Not detected or noticed.
He managed to keep the development of the new prototype under the radar until its surprise unveiling at the annual general meeting.
23. Win-win situation
A situation where everyone benefits.
Negotiating a win-win situation, they crafted a deal that significantly reduced costs while improving service quality for all parties.
24. Jump on the bandwagon
To join others in doing something popular.
Once the technology proved successful, other manufacturers were quick to jump on the bandwagon.
25. Bring to the table
To provide or offer a useful skill or attribute.
The consultant brought a fresh perspective to the table, helping streamline processes that had become outdated.
Did you enjoy exploring work-related idioms? Don’t forget to check out our motivational idioms too!
