Spend a week in an office full of native English speakers, and one thing you’ll definitely notice is that they love to use idioms!
They’re a constant in the workplace, and that’s why it is a must to know what each phrase means. When it comes to corporate English, stay up to speed and don’t get left in the dust… And for added context, an example accompanies each definition below:
1. Get the ball rolling
Meaning: To start the preliminary work of a large project or process
Example: There is a lot to do, so let’s get the ball rolling!
2. Put a pin in it
Meaning: To save a task for later instead of dealing with it right away
Example: The CEO decided to put a pin in it after the meeting.
3. Think outside the box
Meaning: To come up with creative and original ideas or solutions
Example: Skilled programmers are able to think outside the box.
4. Moonlighting
Meaning: To work a second job at night in addition to daytime employment
Example: Moonlighting is a great way to supplement your income.
5. A long shot
Meaning: Something that has a slim chance of happening and is not realistic
Example: Turning a profit this quarter is going to be a long shot.
6. A pretty penny
Meaning: Refers to the price that an expensive item or service costs
Example: We paid a pretty penny to upgrade the hardware.
7. Get sacked
Meaning: To lose a job by being fired
Example: Did the disgruntled employees get sacked?
8. Take it or leave it
Meaning: To accept or reject a final offer with no room for negotiation
Example: That’s the best possible discount. Either take it or leave it!
9. Sweeten the deal
Meaning: To include something extra in an offer
Example: They can sweeten the deal with a gift basket.
10. In the pipeline
Meaning: Describes a product being worked on that is coming in the future
Example: Our company’s mobile app is in the pipeline.
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