Preface

A number of years ago when I began to work at several corporations teaching accent
reduction to non-native speakers of American English, I was often asked to define informal,
everyday expressions. These employees were eager to know the meaning of idioms and
slang that they had heard their colleagues use in the workplace.
At lunches, in meetings, at seminars and conventions, even in homes, Americans use
language that is often incomprehensible to non-native English speakers. This can interfere
with understanding as well as effectiveness.
Non-native speakers believe that some of these sayings could be used to strengthen their
own work presentations or interpretations of employee and customer business related issues.
Certainly these informal expressions are important for doing business and getting along at
the workplace. Again and again my students reported that they smiled politely and laughed
inappropriately when they heard their colleagues talking informally. They knew that these
Americans would soon learn the secret that they did not totally understand what was being
said.
WORD OF MOUTH was created to help remedy this problem. Many of the expressions
explained in these pages are also used in non-work situations. However, the author wanted
to focus this book especially on the work environment.
Thus, the terms included here are defined primarily in the context of the workplace. The
number of non-native speakers is growing dramatically in the workplace of our nation. Men

and women in this group should understand that they are valued citizens and that their
contributions are needed and very much welcomed in America.
If this book helps you learn our language practice better, gets you closer to other Americans
or improve your communications on the job, the author will be pleased and this publication
will have accomplished its goal.

Introduction
One of the problems that the non-native speaker of American English has in the workplace is
a limited knowledge of informal language. Many times the non-native speaker hears
expressions that seem to make no sense. These expressions are called idioms and slang and
are an integral part of any language.
An idiom is an expression that cannot be defined literally, so the dictionary cannot help. It is
an informal phrase, although Americans sometimes use idioms even in formal situations.
Slang is similar to idioms, but slang is so informal that one can only use it with people one
knows very, very well.
Where can you find idiomatic phrases? There is a host of such idiomatic dictionaries. This
book is just an introduction to informal language that is specifically created for the nonnative speaker. From here you can get dictionaries dedicated to defining idiomatic
expressions. Sometimes you can find slang words in a traditional dictionary, but the real
resource for this vocabulary is a special book of slang. This is just a beginning.
I have limited the alphabetic list of informal language to the expressions most commonly
used in the workplace. I feel that these words will immediately help you to better understand
the culture of the workplace, helping you to better understand both colleagues and
customers.
I urge you to try some of this vocabulary because it will help you to learn more about
Americans and get closer to them.

Workplace Idioms
above suspicion - Honest.
Example: Fran said that her boss was above suspicion in all his negotiations.
across the board - Including everyone; frequently related to a change in wages.
Example: The administration gave a 7% increase across the board.
ahead of the game - In a leading position; having an advantage.
Example: Joe is far ahead of the game in sales for the month.
AKA (Also Known As) Also named.
Example: Dan lives near Washington, DC, aka the Nation's Capital.
all year round - Every season.
Example: Christmas decorations are sold all year round at the company.
answer to - 1. Justify all actions to a superior.
Example: He must answer to the department head for last months sales. 2. Respond when
spoken to.
Example: When you contact him, remember he answers to the nickname J.Q.
ants in his pants - Impatient; anxious.
Example: The girl got ants in her pants while waiting two hours for a job interview.
apple polish - Flatter someone in order to gain favor.
Example: Georgia likes to apple polish her boss so he will give her time off.
arm and a leg - Very expensive.

Example: They sold that company for an arm and a leg.

ASAP (As Soon As Possible) - Right away.
Example: Please call this client asap.
ask for it - Deliberately do something that will cause oneself trouble or problems.
Example: Charlie really asked for it when he got into an argument with his boss.
at a loss for words - Unable to think of what to say.
Example: The boss was at a loss for words when the employee complimented him.
baby boom - An increase in births.
Example: The obstetric department in that hospital had to expand and provide more rooms
due to the baby boom.
back breaker - Something that is physically difficult.
Example: The taxi dispatchers job is a back breaker. He works long hours without a
moment of rest.
back down - Retreat; surrender; change ones mind.
Example: His big client backed down and now he has to find a new one.
back off - Retreat; stop bothering or harassing somebody.
Example: Back off, will you? I cant take another criticism.
back out - Withdraw from a commitment; renege.
Example: He backed out of opening a new store because he didnt think it would be
profitable.
back talk - Angry or insolent responses to a speaker.

Example: Dont give me back talk. You either do as I say or youre fired!
back to the salt mines - Return to hard work, usually after some relaxation.
Example: Ive been away at a conference or vacation. Now it is back to the salt mines.
back to the basics - To start a project over again.
Example: At the start-up company they decided to back to the basics.
bad egg - Someone who is an evil or intolerable person.
Example: There is always a bad egg in the company who gives the supervisor a lot of grief
and trouble.
bad mouth - Say unpleasant or critical things about someone.
Example: For some reason he always bad mouths the manager.
barking up the wrong tree - Looking in the wrong place or misdirecting ones efforts.
Example: Junichi was barking up the wrong tree if he thought the decline in sales was due
to the recession.
bat around - Discuss something to try to come up with a conclusion.
Example: At the meeting they batted around ideas for a new name for a new perfume.
beat around the bush - Avoid getting to the point; evade the important issues.
Example: Judy beat around the bush so much that no one knew why she was angry.
beat the bushes - Search or scout for someone or something after trying the usual methods.
Example: With the incredible shortage of nurses in our area, we have been beating the
bushes for new candidates.
beef up - Increase or add to.

Example: If you want to beef up your retirement fund, buy CDs, aka, certificates of deposit.
beg off - Avoiding involvement or participation.
Example: Mala was asked to work on Saturday but she begged off because she was
exhausted.
behind the times - Old-fashioned; obsolete; out-of-date.
Example: The company is so far behind the times that it most likely will fail.
bend over backwards - Try very hard or with great effort.
Example: Tom bent over backwards to be friendly with the mailroom clerk despite the lack
of a friendly response.
bet on it - Assert a strong belief or make a prediction.
Example: Ill bet on it that those two companies merge by year end.
big head - A person who thinks he is very important and probably isnt.
Example: The sales department manager has a big head but does nothing to contribute to
sales.
big shot or big wig - Someone important.
Example: They were told that a big shot from the home office was going to pay a visit, so
everyone was making sure things looked attractive in the store.
bite ones lip - To keep quiet.
Example: She had to bite her lip so as not to say anything to her boss about Amy, her coworker.
black sheep - Individual in a group who seems to get into trouble more than the others.
Example: Michael is the black sheep in his department because he is mostly not at his desk

when he should be.

blank check - Permission to use ones own judgment of what to do or how much to spend.
Example: Mr. Kim told the salesman that he would give him a blank check to develop a new
product because he thought it was such a good idea.
blast off - Reprimand; scolding.
Example: George was blasted by his boss for not getting the work done on time.
blow ones own horn - Promote yourself.
Example: If you dont blow your own horn, you probably will not be promoted as fast.
blow ones top - Become angry; outburst.
Example: Chang blew his top when he heard that his secretary had lost his notes from an
important meeting.
blow something - Miss an important opportunity or fail in a task.
Example: Anton blew his chance to get the new account because of his poor presentation.
blue collar worker - Hourly wage earner whose job usually requires physical labor.
Example: About 200 blue collar workers were moved to another construction job.
bone of contention - To fight over something.
Example: Some workers had a bone of contention over the new work hours and schedule.
bone to pick - Argue with someone about a particular issue.
Example: The CEO had a bone to pick with the project manager; the department was not
producing new ideas and he wanted to know why.
bone up - Study or prepare for.

Example: He was told to bone up on the companys products because the VIPs from Japan
were expected to visit next week.
boob tube - Television set.
Example: The cafeteria at the company has a boob tube.
botch up - To ruin something.
Example: He botched up his experiment.
bottom line - The important idea or fact to remember; conclusion; resulting profit/loss.
Example: The bottom line here is that you can do all the research you want, but if it doesnt
make money, you will be fired.
bound for - Traveling to or in the direction of.
Example: Mike and Helen were bound for the convention in San Jose.
brain drain - The loss of intelligent professionals from institutions, businesses or countries.
Example: There was a serious brain drain from the university.
brain trust - A group of expert advisors.
Example: They gathered the brain trusts from the different departments and asked them their
thoughts on the whole company.
brainstorm - Generate a large number of ideas with a group in a non-critical setting.
Example: The group brainstormed over possible ways of presenting a speech on fiber
optics.
branch out - Expand a business or activity.
Example: To serve people in New York they are planning to branch out by next year.

break ones word - Fail to keep ones promises or commitments.

Example: The supplier broke his word about the shipment delivery and now we have some
very angry customers.
breakthrough - A new discovery or work completion.
Example: The company made a breakthrough after two years; they came up with a pill for
preventing nausea from chemotherapy.
breathe down ones neck - Anxiously awaiting results while remaining physically close to
those working.
Example: The boss will breathe down your neck if you work near him.
broke - Having no money.
Example: She is always broke because the minute she gets her salary, she spends all of it.
brown bag - Bring your own lunch.
Example: The cafeteria food was so bad that many people brown bagged it this year.
brown nose - Try to win favors from someone by being unusually and insincerely helpful or
complimentary.
Example: Esther kept brown nosing her supervisor until everyone in the office became angry
about her attempts to get special treatment.
brush up - Review or refresh ones knowledge on a subject or event.
Example: I have not worked on an Apple computer for a long time, so Im going to brush up
on the word processor tomorrow.
burn a hole in ones pocket - Having money that you are eager to spend.
Example: Jaime told a friend that he had just gotten his paycheck and it was burning a hole

in his pocket.
burn out - Work excessively over a long period so as to lose effectiveness.
Example: Joe, who had his own accounting firm, was so burned out after tax season that he
reserved a hotel room in the mountains to rest for a week.
burn the midnight oil - Work overtime; working late into the night.
Example: Mardian brings work home and burns the midnight oil at least twice a week.
burnt up - Angry.
Example: Shuk was so burnt up about the way she was treated by Juanita, that she decided
not to see her again.
butt out - Do not interfere.
Example: Butt out, will you? I know exactly how to do my job and I dont need your help.
buy out - Take over a company or business activity; buy all of the stock or merchandise.
Example: A group of five men will buy out the company.
by and large - Usually.
Example: By and large, the company pays its employees quite well.
by chance - Accidentally.
Example: She heard by chance that she was going to get a promotion.
by the book - Exactly as laid out by someone or by a company.
Example: The boss went by the book at the office, and fired anyone who did not do so.
call it a day - Stop working or stop doing something.
Example: Im going to call it a day and go home to be with my family.

call it quits - Stop doing something.

Example: Manny called it quits for the day; he had put in 14 hours and was completely
exhausted.
call someone on the carpet - Reprimand or scold someone.
Example: Sam was called on the carpet because he had lost his most important client.
call the shots - Be the leader or boss; plan and give out orders.
Example: Mary calls the shots for her work shift and has great support from her staff.
cash in - Take the opportunity to make money for profit.
Example: Marty cashed in on the sale of the company and made a profit.
catch on - Understand something.
Example: The manager told them that if they did not catch on to the new rules for reporting
absences, they should ask him questions.
catch one napping - Discover someone not paying attention or neglecting duties.
Example: We caught him napping and he messed up a very important deal.
CEO - Chief Executive Officer as the head or boss of the company.
Example: The CEO calls a meeting of the vice presidents on a weekly basis.
CFO - Chief Financial Officer.
Example: The CFO is in charge of all the financial matters of the company.
check out - Investigate.
Example: May was told to check out the report for misspellings before sending it on to the
boss.

cheer up - Be happy.
Example: Cheer up! You are on vacation in another week.
chew someone out - Scold someone.
Example: Ginos group had the poorest production record for the last six months. He spent
an hour chewing them out for their poor performance.
chill or chill out - Calm down; relax.
Example: He was told to chill out or leave the meeting.
chip in - Contribute money or help.
Example: Everyone chipped in $5 in order to buy a baby gift for the department secretary.
clam up - Become quiet; refuse to talk about something.
Example: When every teller in the bank was asked whether Mitze had seemed nervous for
the past month, each one clammed up, as no one wanted to get her into trouble.
clean out - Remove or sell everything.
Example: They cleaned out all of the merchandise at the moving day sale.
clear up - Make something understandable.
Example: I want to clear up your ideas about this customer even though she is a little
strange.
climb the corporate ladder - To be promoted.
Example: Marne climbed the corporate ladder and is now a vice president of her firm.
climb the wall - Become nervous, anxious or tense.
Example: Ken was ready to climb the wall before giving his speech to a group from London.

clock watcher - An employee who constantly checks the time, usually in order to do no
more work than absolutely necessary.
Example: Sandra is such a clock watcher that her boss has decided to fire her.
closeout - Sale to remove all or certain kinds of merchandise in a store or department.
Example: Bloomindales is having a big closeout of womens merchandise tomorrow.
coffee break - A brief rest period for employees to stop working and relax, usually but not
necessarily, while drinking coffee or some beverage.
Example: Most companies allow two coffee breaks a day for all employees.
cold feet - Fear.
Example: Edgar usually has cold feet whenever he has to give a report to the board of
trustees of the college.
come down hard - Punish or criticize severely.
Example: She comes down hard when someone makes a mistake in her billing department.
come in handy - Be useful.
Example: Mary found that her knowledge of the Chinese culture came in handy.
come out with - Make public; introduce a new product or service.
Example: The womens organization at that firm came out with a very attractive newsletter.
come through - Do what was promised or expected.
Example: The waiters and waitresses always come through when they make everything go
smoothly at a wedding.
come to light - Become or make known.

Example: It came to light that Ernest was the actual author of the article about layoffs in the
firm.
come up with - Discover.
Example: Josh came up with a solution to the problem.
cool it - Calm down and relax.
Example: Cool it, will you? Getting angry at everybody wont help.
cover ones ass - Give alibis, conceal something or take precautions, so one will not get
into trouble.
Example: You had better cover your ass regarding the mistake you made.
crashed - The computer doesnt work; have to restart it.
Example: Ben had to do some work on his laptop but he couldnt because it crashed.
cut corners - Omit certain steps in a work task to save time or money, usually with poorer
results.
Example: The contractors building those condos cut corners so much that the realtors are
having a hard time selling them.
cut in - Interrupt.
Example: I had to cut in while he was speaking to allow someone else to speak.
cut it out - Stop doing something.
Example: Cut it out will you! I am tired of your complaining.
cut the mustard - Succeed.
Examples: Mike could not cut the mustard as a manager, so he was replaced.

cut to the chase - Get to the point.

Example: Skip all the details of that proposal and cut to the chase.
deadbeat - Someone who does not pay their bills.
Example: Lenny is such a deadbeat that he cant charge anything on a credit card anymore.
deadline - The absolute time and date that something is due or expected.
Example: The deadline for voting for the new CEO is by the close of business on September
th
30 .
deadpan - Absence of facial expression.
Example: He had such a deadpan fact that we didnt know if he was lying or telling the truth.
deal with - Cope or handle.
Example: That person is hard to deal with as he never likes anything and always complains.
double check - Review something to make sure it is correct.
Example: He double checked the cash receipts to make sure nothing was missing.
down and out - Poor; unlucky.
Example: That man was down and out and needed employment or some form of income.
drag ones feet - Do something slowly.
Example: The administration dragged its feet when it was time to settle the contract.
draw a blank - Unable to think or answer a question.
Example: When Singh was asked the name of his new client, he drew a blank. His office
mate had to answer the question.
drum up business - Look for new clients or customers.

Example: Martin had to drum up new business for his law firm.
easy going - Informal; relaxed; not demanding.
Example: She was such an easy going person that everybody wanted to work with her.
elbow grease - Extra effort to clean something or complete a task.
Example: Josie uses so much elbow grease when she clean the cafes kitchen each night that
she received a promotion and raise in pay.
elbow his way in - Go when not invited.
Example: He elbowed his way into the meeting and everyone was surprised to see him.
eye opener - Surprising and revealing event.
Example: The survey of what our competitors were doing came as an eye opener, forcing us
to respond immediately.
face the music - Assuming responsibility for having made a mistake or doing something
wrong.
Example: Her friends told her that she had to face the music and talk with her supervisor
about her incorrect calculations.
fall apart - Lose ones confidence and poise; be out of control.
Example: Bob fell apart when he was told he was being laid off; he started to cry.
fall down on the job - Fail to adequately perform.
Example: When the manager fell down on the job he was replaced within a short time.
fall guy - One who is blamed for anothers errors or misdeeds.
Example: Dick was the fall guy for Teds mistakes in the department. The boss had assumed
that Dick, not Ted, had made the bad decisions.

fast buck - Money quickly made.

Example: Kathy and Vince agreed that they could make a fast buck by entering the office
lottery pool.
feel out - Get an impression of someones views on a matter, usually in an indirect manner.
Example: Stewart was told to feel out the customers regarding how they intended to pay for
the merchandise.
find out - Discover; learn.
Example: We found out that he was not truthful about his background, so we did not hire
him.
first-hand - By oneself.
Example: I had to hear first-hand that the business was going to close.
fit to be tied - Very angry.
Example: I was fit to be tied when I found out that I was fired.
flip ones lid - Go crazy or become emotionally out of control.
Example: John flipped his lid and started taking off all of his clothes in the office.
flip-flop - Change to the opposite viewpoint or position.
Example: The manager had a reputation of flip-flopping when it came time to resolve issues
of employee benefits.
for good - Permanently; forever.
Example: If you buy that new desk for your office, you will have it for good.
for keeps - Always or forever.

Example: While this is the fourth company he has worked for, he says that this time hes
there for keeps.
fork over - Give or hand something to another.
Example: Everyone in the office was asked to fork over ten dollars toward the Christmas
party.
freeze up - Nothing works on ones computer.
Example: Isabel went to her computer and was so frustrated; it had a freeze up and she had
to get someone to help her.
from scratch - From the beginning.
Example: Adele had to start her research from scratch because no one else had investigated
this particular formula.
front office - Where the companys headquarters is located.
Example: Youll have to go to the front office to get approval for that particular project.
full of crap - Not to be believed.
Example: The boss told a man in the restaurant that he was full of crap when the man said he
paid much less for the same meal across the street.
full of oneself - Believing that one is wonderful while having no time to think about anyone
else.
Example: Marie is so full of herself that she can only think of how to get ahead in the
company rather than meet the needs of her employees.
get a feel - Find a way to solve a problem or handle a situation.
Example: Management had to get a feel on how to find other jobs for executives they laid

off.
get across - Have someone understand ones ideas or positions.
Example: The union president failed to get across his ideas for solving a contract dispute.
get ahead - Advance in a job or in life; achieve a better position; make more money.
Example: Mary wants to get ahead in her company, so she has decided to get an MBA.
get away with something - Do something wrong without getting caught.
Example: Ken presented Norms plan as his own and got away with doing so.
get down to business - Start talking about or doing important things.
Example: Johnny gets down to business the minute he walks into the office and has no time
for small talk.
get off on the wrong foot - Start something poorly or unfavorably, especially in a new job
or relationship.
Example: Georgio got off on the wrong foot with his supervisor when he started contacting
other departments directly.
get off ones back - Leave someone alone; stop bothering someone.
Example: Get off my back, I am tired of having you tell me what to do!
get the ball rolling - Start something.
Example: The builders wanted to get the ball rolling on the new building by starting
construction ASAP.
get the hang of it - Understand how to do something.
Example: Chan bought a new computer for the office but he had to get the hang of it before
he could start using it.

get through with - To complete or finish.

Example: Max thought he would never get through with his work by the deadline.
get to the heart of something - Focus on the central issue.
Example: Everyone at the meeting was talking about irrelevant side issues, but the chairman
said that they should get to the heart of the matter which was the company budget.
get together - Agree.
Example: The two companies must get together and decide the price of the merger.
get up on the wrong side of the bed - Be irritable or in a bad mood.
Example: You came to work with a scowl on your face. Did you get up on the wrong side of
the bed?
give me a break - Do not ask too much of someone.
Example: You want me to do all of this work by 5 pm. No way. Give me a break!
give me five - Slapping the palm of your hand with anothers in celebration.
Example: Give me five! We just negotiated a new contract that will get us higher wages and
better conditions.
give the axe - Fire someone in a company.
Example: Betty got the axe from her job yesterday.
give the shirt off ones back - Help someone with every resource one has.
Example: Tanya would give the shirt off her back to help with her sons surgical and
hospital bills.
give the go ahead - Give approval for something.

Example: The client gave the go ahead to start promoting the new product.
go down the drain - Be discarded or replaced.
Example: The old computer system went down the drain when a new one was installed.
go dutch treat - Go out and each person pay for his or her self.
Example: When they went to the Four Seasons restaurant, they went dutch treat.
go-getter - One who is ambitious.
Example: Sam was a real go-getter; he became the head of the company in two years.
go for it - Try to get what you want.
Example: We told the interns to go for it! They might get a full time job!
go out of ones way - Make a special effort that takes extra time and care in order to help
someone or get a job done.
Example: Pierre went out of his way to help George use the computer.
go public - 1. Sell shares of a private company to the public through an Initial Public
Offering (IPO) on a stock exchange; 2. Tell the world about private company news.
Example: The private cosmetics firm will finally go public by selling stock; or, it will make
public news that it does not have to go public.
go to bat for someone - Support or help someone who is having problems.
Example: Frank always goes to bat for Karla when her childcare problems threaten her
attendance on the job.
go under - Fail; go bankrupt.
Example: That business will go under because it does not keep up with technology.

goof - Make an error.

Example: Mi Yong goofed on her report by mixing up accounts from two different clients.
graveyard shift - The working period that takes place during most of the night.
Example: It was his turn to work the graveyard shift.
half-baked - Irrational, eccentric or unrealistic.
Example: The boss said that Georges plan for promoting insurance sales by a give-awayfree raffle was half-backed.
handle - 1. Control or cope. 2. Your name. Examples: Mr. Conroy asked James if he could
handle all of the extra work. What is your handle? Mine is Georges.
handle oneself well - Know how to act or behave in different situations.
Example: He handles himself well at all of the meetings, instilling confidence in what he
says.
hands off - Leaving things alone; not interfering.
Example: They have a hands off policy regarding affirmative action at that store.
handwriting on the wall - A forecast of what seems inevitable.
Example: Those men can see the handwriting on the wall and feel they will be laid off, so
they are looking for new jobs.
hang in there - Continue rather than give up.
Example: Sarahs boss told her to hang in there as the work would get easier in the near
future.
hang up ones shingle - Open a professional office (law, medicine, engineering, etc.)

Example: Doctor Hou hung up his shingle and began seeing patients right away.
hard (or tough) as nails - Strong willed and able to face many problems without getting
upset.
Example: The new boss is hard as nails when he faces adverse and difficult situations.
hard going - Difficult time.
Example: Stella found it hard going looking for a job.
hassle - 1. A situation that is difficult or imposing.
Example: It is such a hassle to get a secretary to type a letter for me. 2. A heated debate.
Example: I had a real hassle with Peter yesterday but we are still friends. 3. Argue.
Example: George hassled with Sebastian about who was going to use the computer first. 4.
Berate; bother.
Example: The boss hassled Pedro for no apparent reason.
have a time - Have difficulties.
Example: The men are really having a time with the increase in work.
have a short fuse - Get angry very quickly.
Example: I wouldnt want to work for her boss because she has such a short fuse.
have charge of - Be responsible for.
Example: She has charge of the biggest department in the store.
head hunter - A person or a firm that finds jobs for executives.
Example: She went to a head hunter to find a new job in New York.
heart to heart talk - A serious talk between sympathetic people.
Example: She had a heart to heart talk with her supervisor about her career path.

hem and haw - Hesitate; evade.

Example: Steve always hems and haws whenever he is asked what kind of a job he has. We
think he works for the C.I.A.
hit the fan - Become public knowledge and cause turmoil.
Example: It hit the fan when the president learned that company trade secrets were being
leaked to competitors.
hit the nail on the head - Be correct.
Example: Bob hit the nail on the head when he said the new experimental discovery would
make millions of dollars for the company.
hit the skids - Seriously fail or falter.
Example: When the company hit the skids there did not seem to be a solution to the problem.
hold ones tongue - Remain silent even though you dont want to.
Example: He held his tongue at the meeting because he did not want to be thought of as a
troublemaker.
hole in the wall - A very small place.
Example: He worked in a hole in the wall without windows or carpeting.
horn in - Intrude or push oneself into a situation where one is not wanted.
Example: That girl always tries to horn in whenever the team wants to discuss business.
hot and bothered - Angry; excited.
Example: Ray was hot and bothered about the furniture he had to move, as he did not think it
would fit in the moving van.

hot seat - In a difficult situation.

Example: Tomas was on the hot seat when he went to see his boss to tell him why the job
was not completed.
hot water - Trouble.
Example: When the supervisor told the boss that Madonna hadnt done her work properly, it
got her in hot water with the boss.
hothead - Someone who gets angry easily and frequently.
Example: His manager is such a hot head that everyone in the department is afraid of him.
how come - Why?
Example: How come you came to work so late today?
hunt and peck - Typing with one or two fingers while carefully looking to find the right
keys.
Example: It takes him a long time to do his reports because the only way he can use the
keyboard is by the hunt and peck method.
hush hush - A secret.
Example: This whole project is so hush hush that no one can talk about it outside the
department.
hush up - Be quiet.
Example: The mechanics were told to hush up about the sale of the gas station in order to
keep the customers for the new owners.
ill at ease - Uncomfortable.
Example: Everyone was feeling ill at ease at the meeting because the chairman was doing

such a poor job of managing the meeting.

in a bind - In trouble or difficulty.
Example: Cecile is in a bind because she cannot finish the job for her boss.
in a fog - Not alert, preoccupied or distracted.
Example: Ramon was in a fog all day. The other mechanics wanted to know why he kept
making silly mistakes with his tune-ups.
in nothing flat (in no time flat) - Very quickly; fast.
Example: She can get to work in nothing flat because she lives so close to school.
in on the ground floor - Participating from the very beginning.
Example: Barbara was in on the ground floor of the project and will speak on it at the
conference in Dallas.
in progress - Presently happening.
Example: They were told not to enter the office because an important meeting was in
progress.
in the ballpark - Within estimated boundaries; not overly expensive or too inexpensive.
Example: They gave me an estimate that was in the ballpark of what we wanted to spend on
the project.
in the black - Having more than enough assets to cover liabilities.
Example: That business is operating in the black which is unusual for such a new venture.
in the dark - Unaware of what is going on; uninformed.
Example: She was in the dark about the banks problems, so she was puzzled to learn that it
was closing.

in the doghouse - In a state of disfavor because of something done wrong.

Example: Hes in the doghouse. He did not come back to work after lunch and his boss was
looking for him.
in the hole - In financial trouble; in debt.
Example: Im in the hole for a lot of money and I need to get another job to start paying it
back.
in the red - In debt; loss of a position.
Example: Stu told us that his body shop is in the red and he may have to go bankrupt.
in the spotlight - Conspicuous public notice.
Example: Vincent was in the spotlight after he published an important paper in his
professional journal.
in the works - Being planned for the future or being done now but not yet completed.
Example: A new menu is in the works with the hope of making more money by serving
cheaper food.
in time - 1. Not late.
Example: George got there just in time to make the sale. 2. Eventually.
Example: Everyone said that in time he would be promoted to sales manager.
in touch - In contact with someone; in communication with someone frequently.
Example: Eleanor told Dotty to keep in touch, since she wanted to know about her new job.
ins and outs - All the details.
Example: Adele knew the ins and outs of the office and was missed by everyone when she
left.

inside job - A misdeed done by someone within a company or organization.

Example: Manuel said that the authorities thought the robbery was an inside job.
insider - A person who knows what is happening in a company or organization.
Example: There were rumors that an insider from the companys accounting office had
broken the news about a coming merger.
iron things out - Solve a problem of misunderstanding.
Example: Dont worry. We will iron things out and everybody will be happy with the change
in work schedules.
jam - Trouble.
Example: The bank teller got into a jam on Friday when money was missing from his cash
drawer.
jazz up - Make more appealing.
Example: She was the department stores window dresser and was asked to jazz up the
display for the holidays.
jinx - Something that causes bad luck.
Example: There must be a jinx on that department, as half the people on the assembly line
have been injured in the last three months.
join forces - Get together with another person or group to fulfill a plan or goal.
Example: The two moving companies joined forces to provide coast-to-coast service.
keep a cool head - Remain calm.
Example: The security guards told everyone to keep a cool head as they tried to catch the
thief who stole the laptop.

keep ones chin up - Remain courageous or brave.

Example: Co-workers told Nien Ha to keep her chin up after she was fired. They were sure
she would get another job.
keep ones nose to the grindstone - Work hard.
Example: Those waiters in the Chinese restaurant have to keep their noses to the grindstone
or else they will never earn good tips.
keep ones word - Do what you say you will do.
Example: Elena keeps her word when she tells her employees that they will get bonuses if
they sell a certain amount of merchandise.
keep tabs on - Watch or check on an activity or person.
Example: Mary was told to keep tabs on the new sales people to see how they were doing
their jobs.
keep the ball rolling - Continue to do an activity or job.
Example: Tomas was told to keep the ball rolling on the project; if he didnt continue they
might lose an important client.
keep track of - Diligently remain aware of something.
Example: They kept track of sales for one month to see if they were making or losing money
on the new sportswear line.
keep up - Continue.
Example: The bus boys in the restaurant were told to keep up their good work.
keep up with - Be able to do the same activity as others, or remain informed about a
subject.

Example: I cannot keep up with Su Pi as she types much faster than I do.
kick around - Discuss in an informal fashion.
Example: The team kicked around several solutions to the problem of hiring part-time help.
kick in - Contribute money along with others to help pay for something.
Example: Everyone was asked to kick in ten dollars to pay for a retirement gift for Malcolm.
kick in the pants - 1. An insult.
Example: The strikers felt they got a kick in the pants when the company owners refused to
offer even a small pay increase. 2. Action to encourage someone to move or work more
rapidly.
Example: Don would be a good worker if only someone would give him a good kick in the
pants.
kick in the teeth - Insult.
Example: When the boss told her she was a sloppy worker, it was a kick in the teeth to her.
kick ones self - Be sorry about an action.
Example: When I heard how good the office party was, I could have kicked myself for not
going.
kickback - Money paid back, usually secretly and illegally, in order to get a favorable job
or contract.
Example: Myron was arrested because he received a kickback from his clients so that he
would award the contract to them over the competition.
kiss off something or someone - Put out of ones mind; ignore.
Example: You can kiss off that raise because there is not enough money to increase

anybodys salary.
knock it off - Stop.
Example: Knock it off! I dont like the way you are talking to that co-worker.
know the ropes - Know all of the facets of a job; know the job very well.
Example: He knows the ropes here, so, if you have questions, go see him.
know the score - Know whats going on; understand the situation.
Example: He was promoted because he knows the score. If you want to get ahead in this
company, you have to treat the customer like a king.
know-it-all - Someone who always acts as if they know everything about anything and
annoys people with such an attitude.
Example: Donna is a know-it-all. People always get exasperated with her at meetings and
wish she would be quiet.
labor of love - Something one likes very much to do, usually without regard to financial
gain.
Example: Joel said that fixing the bosss car was a labor of love. Hes an automobile buff
and especially likes to work on BMWs.
laid out - Put in order; displayed.
Example: Harriet laid out all the new merchandise and put it in the stores window.
lame duck - Powerless (pertaining to someone whose tenure is soon finished and who
cannot enforce his decisions).
Example: Mr. Kim is the lame duck president, so most of us now go to Mr. Rodriquez, the
president-elect, for important issues and decisions.

land an account - To get new business.

Example: Jamie landed a new account with a prestigious paint company.
last ditch - A final try to prevent failure.
Example: They made a last ditch effort to save the company from bankruptcy.
lay it on the line - Talk frankly.
Example: The boss was going to lay it on the line and tell the employee that he was not
fulfilling his work duties.
lay off - To discharge from a job; fire.
Example: G.M. laid off two thousand workers due to dropping car sales in the United States.
layoff - Dismissal from ones job.
Example: There were many layoffs at the factory this year.
learn the ropes - Learn the details about a new task.
Example: It took more time than Chan thought to learn the ropes at his new job.
leave hanging - Give incomplete information, frequently making it more difficult to
complete an activity or transaction.
Example: The realtor was left hanging on selling the house, as the buyers were not sure what
they wanted.
let go - Dismiss; fire.
Example: Five hundred people were let go from the company with more expected to follow.
let ones hair down - Be less formal or become uninhibited.
Example: Trudy let her hair down at the office party and everyone was amazed that she

could be so entertaining.
lie down on the job - Be lazy.
Example: Dont lie down on the job as the boss could fire you. Then where will you go?
lighten up - Take things less seriously.
Example: Raj was told to lighten up at the meeting after he became angry with all the
suggestions for his project.
log off - Finish working on the computer.
Example: Stefan logged off his computer before he went to sleep.
log out - Put ones name on a list telling management you are leaving for the day.
Example: Susie forgot to log out at work.
loner - A person who prefers to act or do things alone; not associate with other people.
Example: He never consults anyone about his medical cases. Hes considered a loner by
most of his colleagues.
loss of ones shirt - Lose a lot of money.
Example: He was advised that if he invested money in that particular stock, he would lose
his shirt.
low ball - Attempt to get a low or cheap price for a purchase.
Example: The salesman was low balling her for her used car trade-in for a new car.
low man on the totem pole - A person who is at the lowest position at work or because he
was the last hired.
Example: Chu is low man on the totem pole. He has twenty people in his department who
have been there for many years and he was just hired.

low profile - Out of the limelight; inconspicuous.

Example: Ricardo thought that he had better keep a low profile at work for a while since he
was accused of stealing idea from another employee.
low tech - Technologically unsophisticated.
Example: The office telephone system is really low tech, having been put in over ten years
ago.
low down - The real or true story about what has happened (not just gossip).
Example: Give me the low down on the deal with American Express. I keep hearing things
that may or may not be true.
lower the boom - Punish.
Example: They lowered the boom on all employees who were habitually late.
luck out - Be fortunate.
Example: They really lucked out when they received a patent on their new invention days
before another company was going to market with the same product.
make a big production - Over emphasize something.
Example: Dont make such a big production about writing the report. It has to be done, so do
it.
make a big scene - Cause trouble in a noisy or public manner.
Example: Sylvia made a big scene in the office when she yelled at her boss and walked out.
make a go of it - Succeed.
Example: Jack opened up a dry cleaning business and made a go of it after just three months.

make a killing - Make big profits.

Example: Did they make a killing on that deal! Everyone involved received a big bonus
from the company.
make a living - Receive enough wages from a job to pay ones bills.
Example: Jose makes a living by working at two jobs. By day he is a teacher and by night he
sells shoes.
make a point of - Bring special attention to someone or something.
Example: Maurice made a point of telling everyone how happy he was with the profits they
had made last month.
make book - Fulfill a quota; sell merchandise for an amount determined by the company.
Example: Every salesperson at that department store must make book every day before
going home.
make ends meet - Make enough money to support oneself or family.
Example: Dino had trouble making ends meet as a teacher, so he took an evening job at the
supermarket near his home.
make good - Succeed in ones job or in some other effort.
Example: She made good as a model with the Elite Model Agency.
make ones mark - Impress or be successful at something.
Example: He made his mark in the business and was rewarded with a large bonus.
make points - Please someone so as to benefit directly.
Example: Jean made points with her boss because she was so efficient at the office.

make up ones mind - Make a decision.

Example: The manager has to make up his mind whether to hire one of the candidates for the
new job.
make waves - Cause trouble or discord.
Example: He was told not to make waves at the meeting.
makes someones life easier - Allow a person more time, freedom or comfort.
Example: Franklin told his wife that since they had bought the new printer, it had made his
life easier.
mess up - Not successful doing a project.
Example: Josh messed up his annual report for the department.
mind ones own business - Avoid interfering with another person; refrain from giving
advice when you think it is not wanted.
Example: I told her to mind her own business, as I did not like her telling me what to do.
mom and pop operation - A small business run by a family.
Example: The Italian restaurant around the corner is a mom and pop operation. They have
their children working in the kitchen and their nieces and nephews working as wait persons.
mums the word - Dont speak to anyone about this.
Example: Mums the word about how much the company lost this winter.
muscle in - Forcibly or abrasively move into a situation.
Example: That advertising agency muscled in on our business and now we are trying to get
back the customers we lost.

needle in a haystack - Difficult to find or identify.

Example: Locating those 15 year old invoices will be like looking for a needle in a
haystack.
networking - Contacting people one knows in a particular profession to get help or
information often in job finding or advancement.
Example: The women professors at that college are networking all the time to help their
students get jobs or information.
new kid on the block - A new arrival.
Example: We have a new kid on the block in our department. She seems smart and efficient.
nine-to-five - Having regular work hours.
Example: He has a wonderful nine-to-five job with an accounting firm.
nitpick - Find many small and unimportant faults in what people say or do.
Example: Her department head has a reputation for nitpicking. He reads a report and always
finds unimportant items to complain about.
nitty gritty - Important or central issue.
Example: The insurance adjuster wanted to get down to the nitty gritty; that is, exactly how
much a new paint job would cost for the damaged car.
nitwit - A stupid person.
Example: They hired a new waiter who was such a nitwit that they fired him within a week.
He didnt even remember the names of the main dishes on the menu.
no dice - Never; no.
Example: She told the boss, No dice. She would not work on weekends because she

wanted to stay at home with her two young children.

no ifs, ands, or buts - A phrase meaning you must not argue about something; insistence on a
positive response.
Example: She asked us to come to the office party and said, No ifs, ands, or buts; you must
come.
no picnic - difficult; uncomfortable.
Example: Passing the examination to become a certified dental assistant was no picnic.
no show - A person who does not appear for an appointment or event.
Example: We waited for the next interviewee for the job, but she was a no show.
no sweat - Easy to take care of.
Example: The technician said that it would be no sweat to fix the computer.
no way - No; absolutely not.
Example: No way! Im not going to stay at this job as I dont think that I am treated fairly.
no win situation - Assured failure.
Example: Sue kept serving the customer what he wanted, but no matter what she did or said,
he found fault. It was a no win situation.
nobody or no account - Someone unimportant.
Example: Hes nobody in that company. If you want to get a job there, go to someone higher
up in the organization.
nose about - Wanting to know too much about a person or situation.
Example: John nosed about the department trying to find out who leaked out the top secret
information.

not all there - Stupid, low intelligence or understanding.

Example: Everyone was convinced that the new office assistant was not all there. He kept
making mistakes and apologized all day long.
not know whether one is coming or going - Be confused or overwhelmed.
Example: Bertha did not know whether she was coming or going with all of the different
advice she was getting from her colleagues about taking care of her problem.
not on your life - No; absolutely not.
Example: Nothing doing! I am not going to Japan next week. I have too much work to do
here in the office.
nuts and bolts - The basic elements; the really important ideas, steps or features of
something.
Example: At the meeting they got down to the nuts and bolts of the problem.
off and on - Occasionally; not all of the time.
Example: She waited on tables off and on. The rest of the time she was the hostess for the
restaurant.
off base - Incorrect.
Example: She was off base when she said there would be no layoffs when 500 people were
let go the next week.
off duty - Away from ones job after working hours to pursue a leisure activity.
Example: After working 48 straight hours the new medical intern was delighted to go off
duty.
off ones rocker - Crazy.

Example: My boss is really off his rocker. He thinks he can keep us working after the store
closes without paying us overtime.
off the cuff - Impromptu; not prepared in advance.
Example: She made some off the cuff remarks to the press about the companys new
television show.
off the phone - Stopped talking.
Example: May finally got off the phone.
off the record - Something said without the speakers name being used.
Example: The vice president spoke off the record about the new lawsuit against the
company.
off the top of ones head - Impromptu; without forethought.
Example: Off the top of my head, I think we should hire a full time advertising agency to do
our publicity.
on a roll - Continuing to have success.
Example: Eliezer was on a roll and sold two houses in one day.
on approval - Bought with the understanding that the item can be returned for the full
purchase price.
Example: The floor manager sold the leather couch to the customer on approval.
on duty - Working on the job.
Example: The fireman was on duty when a fire broke out near the station. He put it out
himself.
on edge - Nervous.

Example: Everyone was on edge because we heard that there soon would be layoffs at the
company.
on faith - Agreed to without a signed contract or formal commitment.
Example: She gave Mrs. Knowlton the rug on faith. She told her that if it looked good in the
room, she could come back and pay for it.
on guard - Watchful.
Example: Myron tells everyone to be on guard for shoplifters as much of the merchandise is
openly displayed.
on ones shoulders - Ones responsibility.
Example: Ever since the president resigned, management of the business has been on the
vice presidents shoulders.
on ones toes - Alert; ready to respond.
Example: There were so many customers at the sale that all salespeople had to keep on their
toes.
on sale - Reduced in price.
Example: Those suits are on sale today only. Tomorrow they will be at regular price.
on schedule - On time; at the correct time.
Example: The clothes from the manufacturer were sent to the stores right on schedule.
on the ball - Alert, intelligent and capable.
Example: Karen was on the ball and everyone wanted her to be promoted.
on the level - Honest.
Example: Be on the level with me. Do you really think you can do the job on time?

on the right track - Nearing a correct solution; about to make a beneficial discovery;
improving.
Example: Roberto thinks hes on the right track in finding out why the drug he just
discovered makes people nauseated.
on the spot - In a difficult situation.
Example: Barbara was put on the spot by her co-worker, who lied about the status of the
new project when Barbara wanted to tell the truth.
on the way out - About to leave a job or be fired.
Example: Hes a real troublemaker, so hes on the way out.
out front - Honest and candid.
Example: She was out front about the plans for the new building, saying that business was so
bad that they might have to postpone any new projects.
out in the cold - Left alone to do a job; no support; ignored.
Example: Thawat was left out in the cold when he suggested hiring a new secretary.
out of commission - Not working.
Example: The oven was out of commission, so the restaurant had to close until it was fixed.
out of gas - Exhausted; losing energy or vigor.
Example: The men had worked on the project so long and hard that they were running out of
gas.
out of order - Not working properly.
Example: That printer is out of order. You better find another machine.

out of the question - Impossible.

Example: The dean said that it was out of the question to hire any new people as long as
there was a job freeze.
out of whack - Not working properly; in need of adjustment.
Example: My typewriter is out of whack today. I hope they cant fix it so they buy me a
computer with a word processor.
out to lunch - Crazy; mentally disturbed.
Example: His secretary is out to lunch. She keeps humming and singing whenever he tries to
talk to her. The company psychiatrist is coming to pay her a visit today.
out-of-date - Old; not used much; not current.
Example: The foreman at the car plant was told that some of his equipment was so out-ofdate that replacement plans were in the works.
over ones head - In a situation beyond ones skills, knowledge or training.
Example: Liliana is in over her head because she doesnt know what to do at work or when
to do it.
over the hill - Past peak skill or efficiency; sometimes referred to getting old.
Example: There were some employees at the firm who were over the hill and forced to
retire.
over the top - Beyond what was originally estimated or expected.
Example: The aim for the campaign was to make one million dollars, but the sales people
went over the top and made almost one and half million.
over with - Done; finished.

Example: Geraldo worked quickly and his report was over with well before the deadline.
own up - Confess; take responsibility for ones actions.
Example: Margo owned up to taking food home from the supermarket without paying for it.
pack ones bag - Get ones belongings together and move; move the contents of ones office.
Example: Pack your bag. Youre fired.
pain in the neck - Someone or something annoying.
Example: This job was a pain in the neck and I wont offer to do it again.
parting of the ways - Separation; usually implying some disagreement.
Example: Those two partners have had a parting of the ways, and each has come out of it
feeling terrible.
pave the way - Prepare for something.
Example: John is doing a lot of work to pave the way for a successful experiment.
payoff - A profitable or beneficial result.
Example: Getting the contract was the payoff for months of serious negotiations.
pay through the nose - Pay a large amount of money for something.
Example: In order to get the new phone system for the office, we had to pay through the
nose.
pay up - Give what is owed.
Example: All union members were asked to pay up their dues or be expelled.
PC - Any personal computer. (Originally used only for IBM-type machines, but has been
generalized to include all types of computers.)

Example: Jorge has a PC at home so he doesnt have to go to the office in the evening when
he has extra work to do.
PDQ - Pretty Damn Quick; immediate.
Example: Get this letter out PDQ.
pep talk - Speech to boost morale or performance.
Example: After twenty people were laid off in that office, the boss gave the remaining
employees a pep talk.
pick someones brain - Get ideas or knowledge from talking with someone.
Example: Charley went into Pams office to pick her brain about how to handle their clients
law suit.
pick up the tab - Pay the bill for someone.
Example: We were told that when the engineer came to our company for interviews, we
should pick up the tab for all of his meals.
pie in the sky - Unrealistic expectations of benefits or results.
Example: Ramons estimates of foreign demand and potential profits for our new product
line were nothing more than pie in the sky.
piece of cake - Something that is easy.
Example: I found the job to be a piece of cake. We had the report on the supervisors desk
two hours ahead of schedule.
piece of the action - Participation in a new plan or activity that will benefit you (with more
money or fame).
Example: She heard about the lottery at work and wanted a piece of the action, as she

thought she had a good chance of winning.

pigeonhole - Categorize or classify.
Example: You cant pigeonhole that particular position, as it is part line worker and part
management.
piling up - Accumulating.
Example: Amos kept looking at his desk and saw so many papers piling up that he wondered
if he would ever finish his work.
pin someone down - Force someone to give a definite answer about something.
Example: They tried to pin him down as to whether they would get the Friday off after
Thanksgiving.
pink slip - Notice or termination of employment.
Example: She got a pink slip today and decided to take a vacation from all work for a while.
pitch in - Help along with others.
Example: Go over to that office and pitch in. They are way behind in getting customer
monthly bills out.
play down - Purposely under represent the importance of something (also see down play).
Example: The women in the computer department wanted to play down the delays in getting
out payroll records to avoid management criticisms.
play politics - Manipulate a situation for personal gain.
Example: Howard was known to play politics with the management of that company. He
was not well liked as a result.
pooped out - Tired.

Example: Mei and Yoko felt pooped out after they went to Japan on a business trip.
pull rank - Assert authority over individuals in less important positions.
Example: The project manager pulled rank and told the members of his sales staff that he
would speak to the European customers himself.
pull the plug - Stop doing something.
Example: They pulled the plug on buying new fall merchandise.
pull together - Cooperate with others and work as a team.
Example: The chemists at the paint company realized they had to pull together to produce a
better enamel paint.
push around - Take advantage of.
Example: Mr. Smith pushes around the people who work for him.
pushover - Someone who is easily persuaded or convinced.
Example: Veronique was such a pushover that if her boss asked her to jump out of the
window, she would probably do it.
put across - Make oneself clear when communicating.
Example: Stella put across her ideas in her speech to management.
put on ones thinking cap - Actively think about the solution to a problem.
Example: Isaac put on his thinking cap and came up with a new and better way to serve the
customers in his restaurant.
put on the back burner - Set aside an idea or a job until a later time; give something low
priority.
Example: Lets put that idea on the back burner until were ready to talk about a new

program for the school district.

put ones cards on the table - Talk honestly and openly.
Example: My client wants to buy your house so I am going to put our cards on the table.
Lower the price by $20,000 and youve got a deal.
put ones foot in ones mouth - Make an embarrassingly insensitive, stupid or careless
remark.
Example: Helene really put her foot in her mouth when she blasted the new repair
technicians work in front of a man who, she later found out, was the boss son.
put up or shut up - Keep your promises or dont make them.
Example: The office manager told Tengsheng to put up or shut up. If he said that he could
have the report ready by noon, he should do it by then or not make the promise.
put up with - Tolerate.
Example: Shoshanna put up with many employees who complained constantly about their
working conditions.
raise Cain - Cause trouble or a disturbance.
Example: The staff at the restaurant raised Cain when they heard they were not getting the
raises that they had asked for.
raise the roof - Get very angry; complain and protest.
Example: He raised the roof when he found out that he had lost the first two chapters of his
novel by pushing the wrong key on his computer.
reach the boiling point - Become so angry or disturbed that one becomes violent or noisy.
Example: As her boss spoke about her performance, you could see that Ruth had reached her

boiling point as she did not agree his assessment.

read my lips - Realize that I mean what I say.
Example: Read my lips. The final details of the project must be on my desk at 5 pm today.
read into - Perceiving more than is literally said or written.
Example: Jack read into the report some things that were not implied or intended.
read between the lines - Understand things that are not spoken and not obvious.
Example: Ching Ming surprised everybody when he said that he wasnt going to the Stanford
conference. Mimi read between the lines and knew that his presentation had been rejected.
regular guy or regular fellow - A man who can be talked to easily; someone who does not
act in a superior way.
Example: The vice president of that company is just a regular guy.
right-hand man - An important assistant.
Example: Keith is the boss right hand man.
rip off - Cheat; deceive.
Example: That store really rips off their customers by charging way more than other stores
for same or similar merchandise.
rock the boat - Suggest changes that may upset existing plans or ideas.
Example: Ed didnt want to rock the boat with new suggestions for the conference, as
everyone seemed satisfied with the present plans.
roll out the red carpet - Treat someone in an especially fine manner; give particularly nice
treatment.
Example: You had better roll out the red carpet when the store owner visits us tomorrow.

root for - Support someone or something.

Example: They wanted to root for the new physicist because he had such good ideas.
rotten egg - A truly bad person.
Example: There is always a rotten egg in every office and George King is one. He constantly
lies and tries to get his colleagues into trouble.
run - Manage or operate an activity.
Example: While her supervisor was away on vacation, she ran the office.
run-in - Dispute; disagreement.
Example: Jesse had a run-in with another waiter and they did not talk with each other for a
week.
running around - Being very busy going from one place to another.
Example: Juanita told her husband that she needed a vacation from the office because her
boss had her running around all day.
sad sack - A person who is not capable.
Example: The janitor at that company is such a sad sack.
save your breath - Dont bother to speak as it wont help.
Example: Save your breath. Your co-workers are not going to listen to how important you
think you are to the company and why you think you deserve a raise.
save face - Try to avoid embarrassment by doing something.
Example: She did the wrong thing and tried to save face by blaming the problem on someone
else.

say the word - Say yes to something.

Example: I was waiting for her to say the word and I would pick up the material for my
boss.
score - Make a deal; be successful in some effort.
Example: Tom scored with the pharmaceutical company and was commended for his efforts.
score with a woman - Get to sleep with a woman.
Example: He just arrived from France and he scored with a woman in the clerical
department.
screw-up - A big mistake resulting in important consequences.
Example: There was such a screw-up in the work schedule that everyone in the office was
late getting home on Friday.
scuttlebutt - Gossip, sometimes true.
Example: The scuttlebutt around the office is that there will be a major transfer of
employees to the new Atlanta headquarters.
second in command - The person next in line to manage a company or department or
project.
Example: Reba could not talk with the president of the company, so she spoke with the
second in command, namely the executive vice president.
see eye-to-eye - Agree.
Example: They should never have become partners because they can never see eye-to-eye
on most things.
see red - Become angry.

Example: She asked me to do an impossible job yesterday and it made me see red.
sell oneself short - Have insufficient confidence in oneself and ones abilities.
Example: Aida was advised not to sell herself short; many thought she could do a good job
as the head of the new department.
sell out - Betray.
Example: Stanton did not want to sell out by revealing his companys secrets to a
competitor, but he needed money for his daughters medical bills.
sell someone on something - Persuade someone to accept an idea or buy something.
Example: The ad agency tried to sell the product manager on a new advertisement for an old
product.
send one packing - To dismiss someone from a job.
Example: He was sent packing for yelling at a customer.
shake a leg - Hurry up; go faster.
Example: Juanita, shake a leg. The meeting is going to start in five minutes.
sharp as a tack - Very intelligent; smart.
Example: He is sharp as a tack and people think he will win a Nobel Prize.
shoulder the responsibility - Be accountable for something; assume responsibility.
Example: Teresa always shoulders the responsibility for what happens in her office. After
all, she is the boss.
shopworn - Merchandise in a store that is old and not in style.
Example: The sale at Macys consisted of shopworn clothes.

sidekick - A partner or a close associate or assistant.

Example: Johannes was Tinas sidekick in the graphics department.
sign on the dotted line - Agree formally to a contract.
Example: Rachael signed on the dotted line and the office was hers.
sign over - Transfer rights or interest in a business or property to someone else.
Example: She signed over her partnership interest in the restaurant and now she is no longer
an owner.
silent partner - A business associate who has money invested in a company but does not
actively participate in the day-to-day running of the business.
Example: Maurice is a silent partner in that investment firm.
sit up and take notice - Pay attention.
Example: She wanted the manager to sit up and take notice of her good work so she could
get promoted.
skirt the issue - Ignore the important problem by discussing unrelated matters; avoid the
main issue; obfuscate.
Example: Every time we asked the department head about promotions he skirted the issue.
slow as molasses - Taking a great deal of time to do something.
Example: Huang was slow as molasses when he tried to type up his own report. He wished
his secretary would come back soon from vacation.
small potatoes - Of little value or consequence.
Example: Why are you worried about the cost of the desk? It is small potatoes compared to
what the company spent on other furniture.

smooth operator - A person who has finesse; very diplomatic and pleasant.
Example: She could sell the Brooklyn Bridge to anyone because she is such a smooth
operator. I would want her to work for me.
soft sell - Selling without pressuring the customer or buyer.
Example: They do such a soft sell at that car place that I dont mind going there.
soft soap - Flatter someone in order to get what you want.
Example: He is trying to soft soap the new secretary to get his typing done immediately.
song and dance - Long, evasive explanation.
Example: He gave me this song and dance about why he couldnt come to the office
Christmas party.
sound out - Find out what someone thinks of something.
Example: We tried to sound out that investment broker to discover his views on the new
building.
spacy - Distracted; not thinking clearly.
Example: George was so spacy while giving his speech that he didnt make any sense.
spin doctor - One who manipulates the results of a competitive performance to advantage or
the side he/she favors.
Example: The spin doctors who favored a side in the debates may help them win the
election.
split the difference - Share the cost of something.
Example: They split the difference at the retirement dinner.

spread oneself too thin - Do too many activities or take on too many tasks or assignments.
Example: Mary spread herself too thin and as a result did not do her job as well.
square one - Where one started on a plan or project; the beginning.
Example: Lets go back to square one on the plan. The other ideas just are not working.
start ups - New businesses.
Example: Silicon Valley in California has many start ups.
stay put - Remain in place or not move.
Example: The director was late for the meeting but everyone was asked to stay put until he
arrived.
steamed - Angry.
Example: I was so steamed at that manager that I wanted a transfer out of the department or I
would quit.
straight from the horses mouth - Information gotten from a person who was an original
source.
Example: Stephen got the news about the layoffs straight from the horses mouth, namely the
president of the company.
sweat it out - Wait and worry about something.
Example: I dont know whether we got the contract or not, so well just have to sweat it out
until we hear from the customer.
take care of - Take responsibility for; look after.
Example: He took care of the library two days a week.

take charge - Lead and assume direction of something.

Example: He took charge of the repair department when he found out that they were having
problems.
take down - Write or record.
Example: Mrs. Jones takes down the bosss letter and memo dictation.
take over - 1. Assume leadership of a company; take control of a situation.
Example: The new manager will take over the store. 2. Substitute in a job.
Example: Bills cousin will take over in the office for a few weeks while his executive
assistant is on vacation.
take steps - Do something about a problem or goal.
Example: Shirley had to take steps to prevent people from making personal calls at work.
talk turkey - Talk seriously and frankly.
Example: The client is now ready to talk turkey about buying a new system from us.
team player - A member of a group who follows the wishes of the other members, even
when he or she does not fully agree.
Example: Eric has always been a team player in his department. Whatever the team decides
to do, Eric is willing to help make it work.
techie - Technician in the electronic or computer field.
Example: Those techies have good salaries because of their specialized knowledge.
tell it like it is - Be honest and straightforward.
Example: Dont make up stories. Tell it like it is.

TGIF (Thank God Its Friday) - An expression of pleasure that the work week will soon be
over.
Example: Im so tired that all I have to say is TGIF and the weekend is coming up
tomorrow.
thumbs up - Approval.
Example: The union leadership gave the thumbs up for the new contract with the company.
ticked off - Very angry.
Example: Isabelle was so ticked off at her boss that she called him a bad name when he
accused her of being lazy.
tie ones hands - Prevent someone from doing something.
Example: I wanted to go to California to attend a conference, but management tied my hands
by telling me that it would cost too much money.
tied up in knots - Very nervous and tense.
Example: When Josh has to give a presentation at meetings he becomes tied up in knots
because of his shyness.
tight or tightfisted - Cheap; not willing to spend money.
Example: Fred is so tight (tightfisted) that he always waits until some else picks up the
check for lunch.
toe the line - Do everything that is expected of you; fulfill all of your obligations.
Example: Dr. Singh expects everyone to toe the line and get each days work done on time.
toe the mark - Do all that is required or expected in a job or situation.
Example: When Mandy did not toe the mark in her division she was scolded by her

superiors.
top brass - Heads of companies.
Example: The top brass at AT&T entertained some members of Congress last week.
top dog - The highest ranking or most important person in an organization.
Example: Mr. Chang is the top dog in our company. Every decision must be made or passed
by him.
touch base - Make contact with someone, usually to get their reaction or approval for
something.
Example: Jacques told John to touch base with him before going ahead with the new project.
try ones hand at - Attempt a new job or activity.
Example: She decided to try her hand at working the Linux computer since her Apple
computer was down.
tune out - Ignore something or someone.
Example: George tunes out Peter during monthly staff meetings because he is so boring.
turn ones nose up at - Disapprove or refuse.
Example: All of the members of the department turned their noses up at the idea of going
over time.
turnout - People who attended a meeting.
Example: The president of the company got a big turnout for his annual report.
turn over a new leaf - Change completely; start doing things differently and preferably
better.
Example: Misha decided to turn over a new leaf at work by working harder.

two faced - Cannot be trusted.

Example: Shellys colleague is two faced so she wont tell her any personal information.
up against the wall - In trouble or unable to find a satisfactory solution to a problem.
Example: The project is nearly finished but they are up against the wall to finish without
additional funding.
up for grabs - Available to anyone willing to compete for it.
Example: Emilio told us that he just learned that the department head job was up for grabs.
up front - Honest and frank.
Example: I told him to be up front with me regarding my work. Since I was a new employee
I wanted to know if I was truly doing a good job.
up in arms - Angry (usually referring to a group of people); frustrated.
Example: Everyone working on the newspaper was up in arms at the decision to discontinue
the morning edition, so they went out on strike.
up on things - Current; new; fashionable.
Example: Our teachers are up on things concerning the new math curriculum.
uptight - Nervous.
Example: She was uptight when she talked to the new president of the college because she
was worried about making a good impression.
wait on - Serve.
Example: She waited on five tables for lunch every day at The Charlie Browns Restaurant
in Hoboken, N.J.

walk a tightrope - In an unpleasant situation where one is anxious.

Example: Betty walked a tightrope in her job since many people were being laid off.
walking papers - Notice of termination of employment.
Example: She received her walking papers yesterday and is now looking for a new job.
walkout - Mass exit of workers expressing their displeasure with management.
Example: The mechanics at the plant staged a walkout to show that they did not like the new
contract they were offered.
watch your mouth - Be cautious about what you say or are about to say to avoid offending
others.
Example: Watch your mouth when complaining to your boss.
way to go - The right approach; method of course to follow.
Example: When the finance department head announced that they would stop accepting poor
credit risks, the staff reacted with shouts of way to go.
whats up - A greeting meant to find out what is happening or what was missed.
Example: Wu came back from her vacation and asked her pals at the office, Whats up?
She was afraid that she had missed a lot while she was away.
white collar worker - Office worker; salaried person whose job requires no manual labor
so the person is usually more formally dressed than a blue- collar worker.
Example: Byron is a white collar worker in the insurance office.
wind up - Finish.
Example: Lets wind up this meeting and go to lunch.

windbag - A talker who does not have intelligent things to say.

Example: Tony is such a windbag that when he starts talking in meetings, everyone stops
listening.
wolf down - Eat a lot of food at one time.
Example: He wolfed down his breakfast because he was late for work.
word of mouth - Oral, not written, communication; something learned by hearing about it.
Example: Norma found out about the job by word of mouth.
work it out - Solve a problem.
Example: When the manager could not solve the problem between Lenny and Gloria, they
had to work it out for themselves.
working girl Slang for a female prostitute.
Example: The character in the movie was a working girl who got arrested.
working the crowd - Making new business contacts with individuals in a group.
Example: Bob made some good sales contacts while working the crowd at the convention
cocktail hour.
worth ones weight in gold - Very valuable.
Example: Naresh is worth his weight in gold; the sales department under his direction has
never been better.
yes man - A person that agrees with everything you say.
Example: Matthew is a yes man and doesnt have an original thought.
you scratch my back and Ill scratch yours - An expression requesting help or a favor,

promising to do something in return.

Example: Carl told his friend Juan in the office, You scratch my back and Ill scratch
yours. Carl wants a promotion badly and knows that Juans help will be considered
seriously by the boss.
zero in - Focus on an important point, idea or task; locate.
Example: They zeroed in on the problem and now they can continue their work.

Acknowledgments
A big 'Thank You' goes to Daniel Skoler for making this 2nd Edition possible.

Professor Sally Small first started her career as a Speech Therapist but went back to school

to learn more about public speaking and small group discussion. She taught public speaking
for twenty-seven years at a community college in N.J., and created a pronunciation and
idiom course for international students. Professor Small used her expertise as a speech
consultant to international scientists at many corporations: AT&T, Ciba Geigy and British
Oxygen Corporation.
At present, she is teaching a pronunciation course at Stanford University at the Bechtel
Center for international students.