English Idioms;

Phrases and expressions about

Jobs & Economics
 1- dead end jobA dead end job is a position with no prospects or opportunities for
the future.
For example;
"For the moment I'm stuck in a dead end job but I'm hoping to find something
better."

•2-dead woodThe term dead wood refers to people or things that are no longer considered
useful or necessary.
For example;
•"The new manager wants to reduce costs by cutting out the dead wood."

•3-on the doleA person who receives financial assistance from the government when
they are unemployed is on the dole.
For example;
•"Their father is on the dole so the family is living on a tight budget."
•4-eager beaver The term eager beaver refers to a person who is hardworking and
enthusiastic, sometimes considered overzealous.
"The new accountant works all the time - first to arrive and last to leave. He's a
real eager beaver!"

•5-learn the ropesIf you learn the ropes, you learn how to do a particular job correctly.
"He's bright. It won't take him long to learn the ropes."

•6-(be) paid peanutsIf you are paid peanuts, you have a very low salary or are paid
very little for the work you do.
"Jenny has a very interesting job, but she's paid peanuts.

•7-(a) plum job A desirable position which is well-paid and considered relatively
easy is called a plum job.
"Ideally he'd like to find himself a plum job in New York.
•8-separate the sheep from the goatsIf you separate the sheep from the goats, you
examine a group of people and decide which are suitable and which are not.
Example; "Examining job applications is the first stage in separating the sheep from
the goats."

•9-shape up or ship out This expression is used to warn someone that if they do not
improve, they will have to leave their job.
E.g. "When Tom started neglecting the customers, he was told to shape up or ship out."

10-To work your fingers to the bone. Means To work really hard.
For example:
Example: "She kept the family together by working her fingers to the bone."

11-Money doesn’t grow on trees

Many parents say this to their children who ask them to buy something for them, or who are always spending
money. It means that there is not an endless supply of money with which to buy whatever one wants.

For example: “Mum, I want all these computer games. Please, buy them for me!” “Calm down, Paul,
money doesn’t grow on trees. I can buy only one of them, so decide which one you want.”
12-Bring home the bacon
means “to earn enough money in order to take care of one’s family.”
For example: Mary stays home and takes care of the children, and her husband John brings home the bacon.

13-Go Dutch
The expression “go Dutch” means that each person pays for himself (usually at a restaurant). It is often used
when a couple goes on a date.
For example: You paid for dinner last Saturday. This time let’s go Dutch, okay?

14- a nest egg. The expression refers to money that is saved up for a special occasion or for retirement.

For example: I’ve been saving money for many years so I’ll have a nice nest egg when I retire.

15- Cheapskate
This idiom is used to describe a person who is stingy; someone who is not generous with their money; someone who
doesn’t like to spend money.
For example: Bill is such a cheapskate!