22 Idioms You Can Use At Work

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#1 - To see eye to eye

To agree with someone.

It's important that the team sees eye to eye on the project's objectives.

We didn’t see eye to eye.

#2 - To be on the same page

To have a shared understanding or agreement.

We need to be on the same page regarding the timeline for the project.

We need to get the team on the same page!

#3 - To hit the nail on the head

To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem.

You really hit the nail on the head with your analysis.

Your analysis really hit the nail on the head.

#4 - To have a lot on one's plate

To be very busy; to have a lot of tasks to complete.

I can't take on any more projects right now. I already have a lot on my plate.

I have a lot on my plate with the conference!

#5 - To get the hang of

To become skilled or familiar with something.

It took a while, but I finally got the hang of the new software.

Using idioms was tricky at first, but I got the hang of them (with Jennifer’s help).
22 Idioms You Can Use At Work
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#6 - To cut corners

To do something in the easiest or quickest way, often sacrificing quality.

We can't afford to cut corners on safety measures in the workplace.

Don’t use that company, they cut corners!

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#7 - A ballpark figure

An approximation or rough estimate.

Can you give me a ballpark figure for the budget of the project?

We don’t have the budget yet, but if I had to ballpark it, I’d say $100K.

#8 - To be in the same boat

In the same difficult situation as someone else.

We’re in the same boat when it comes to global warming.

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#9 - Back to the drawing board

To start a task or project over again because it failed.

The marketing campaign didn't work as expected, so it's back to the drawing board."

#10 - To pull strings

To use one's influence to manipulate or control a situation.

She managed to pull some strings and get the project approved.
22 Idioms You Can Use At Work
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How did you get VIP tickets to Taylor Swift?

- I pulled some strings.

#11 - To cross one's fingers

To hope for good luck or a positive outcome.

I'm crossing my fingers that the client likes our proposal.

You’ll do a great job on the presentation!

- Fingers crossed! 🤞

#12 - To be on the ball

To be alert and quick to understand or respond.

Our team needs to be on the ball to meet the tight deadline.

#13 - To throw in the towel

To give up or surrender.

English idioms are so confusing, I’m throwing in the towel!

I won’t throw in the towel!

#14 - To have one's hands tied

To be unable to take action because of external constraints.

I'd like to help, but my hands are tied due to company policies.

Sorry, my hands are tied.

22 Idioms You Can Use At Work
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#15 - To burn the midnight oil

To work late into the night.

We had to burn the midnight oil to meet the deadline for the report.

#16 - To throw someone under the bus

To blame or sacrifice someone else for personal gain or to avoid blame.

I can’t believe she threw me under the bus at the meeting!

#17 - To be on thin ice

To be in a risky or dangerous situation.

This is the 3rd time you’re late. You’re on thin ice.

#18 - To hit a snag

To encounter an unexpected problem or obstacle.

We hit a snag when the supplier couldn't deliver the materials on time.

#19 - To keep one's eyes peeled

To stay alert and watchful for something.

Keep your eyes peeled for any updates on the project deadline.

#20 - To cut a deal

To reach an agreement, after negotiating.

It took us a while, but we finally cut a deal.

22 Idioms You Can Use At Work
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#21 - To be up in the air

Uncertain, undecided, unresolved.

The conference is up in the air.

Our plans are up in the air.

#22 - In the works

In progress; currently being developed/finalized

The conference is in the works.

Our plans are in the works.