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Watch & Learn

Understand the English People Actually Use

Learn natural English expressions and cultural context through real conversations.

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Learning expressions with VOA

Words and Their Stories

Hear a VOA story, then explore what its expressions mean and how to use them through our original learning guides.

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People mingling at a professional networking reception
Photo by Pavel Danilyuk · Pexels

Audio lesson · 6:15 · 10 expressions

Rub Expressions: Connect, Annoy, and Make Things Worse

Expression in focus

rub elbows with someone

Spend time around or mingle with someone, often at an event.

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A vivid green field of grass
Photo by Amaury Michaux · Pexels

Audio lesson · 3:19 · 3 expressions

Watching the Grass Grow: Expressions for Boredom and Action

Expression in focus

like watching grass grow

Extremely boring because little seems to happen.

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A gardener tending young green seedlings
Photo by Greta Hoffman · Pexels

Audio lesson · 5:14 · 4 expressions

Green Expressions: Newcomers, Jealousy, and Approval

Expression in focus

give someone the green light

To approve a plan or allow work to begin.

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Friends talking over burgers at a restaurant
Photo by Allan González · Pexels

Audio lesson · 3:41 · 5 expressions

Dish Up, Dish Out: Food, Gossip, and Giving It Back

Expression in focus

dish up

To serve food; figuratively, to present or share something.

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A woman tuning a vintage radio in a cozy room
Photo by Raymond Petrik · Pexels

Audio lesson · 4:01 · 6 expressions

Dialed In: Expressions for Focus, Change, and Progress

Expression in focus

dialed in

Focused, well-prepared, or fully aware of what needs attention.

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Close-up portrait of a golden eagle
Photo by Naeem Alterawy · Pexels

Audio lesson · 5:50 · 4 expressions

Eagle Eyes: Seeing the Big Picture and Tiny Details

Expression in focus

an eagle eye

A strong ability to notice small details or spot something from far away.

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American idioms & expressions

Explore English Idioms and Expressions

Swipe or use the arrows to explore more expressions, with clear meanings and natural examples.

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Set 1 of 89 · 532 idioms & expressions

Everyday Language

Break the ice

Start a friendly conversation or ease an awkward beginning.

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Proverbs & Sayings

A game of cat and mouse

A situation where two sides keep trying to outsmart or catch one another.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Tongue in cheek

Said jokingly or ironically, without being fully serious.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Burning the candle at both ends

Working or socializing so much that you are not getting enough rest.

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Proverbs & Sayings

First come, first served

The people who arrive or ask first receive the available item or opportunity first.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Beauty is only skin deep

Appearance is less important than character or deeper qualities.

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Proverbs & Sayings

I wasn’t born yesterday

I am not naïve and cannot be easily fooled.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Sweep it under the rug

Hide a problem instead of addressing it.

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Proverbs & Sayings

The pot calling the kettle black

Criticizing someone for a fault you have yourself.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Give someone a piece of my mind

Tell someone firmly that you are angry or dissatisfied.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Thick as thieves

Very close, often sharing private jokes or information.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Start with a clean slate

Begin again without holding past mistakes against someone.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Paint the town red

Go out and celebrate in a lively way.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Hard as nails

Very tough, emotionally strong, or physically durable.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Wake up and smell the coffee

Pay attention to an obvious reality you have been ignoring.

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Proverbs & Sayings

When in Rome, do as the Romans do

Adapt respectfully to local customs when you are in a different place or group.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Have a good head on your shoulders

Be sensible and make good judgments.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Straight as an arrow

Very direct, honest, or physically straight.

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Proverbs & Sayings

A picture is worth a thousand words

An image can communicate an idea more clearly than a long explanation.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Throw caution to the wind

Act without the usual care about risk or consequences.

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Proverbs & Sayings

A fly in the ointment

One small problem that spoils an otherwise good situation.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Measure twice, cut once

Check carefully before taking an action that is hard to undo.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Take it at face value

Accept something as true without looking for hidden meaning or checking further.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Have a memory like an elephant

Remember things extremely well.

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Proverbs & Sayings

You can’t teach an old dog new tricks

It can be difficult to change a long-established habit.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Put your foot in your mouth

Say something embarrassing, insensitive, or inappropriate by mistake.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Burn the midnight oil

Work or study late into the night.

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Proverbs & Sayings

A shot in the arm

A boost that brings new energy, confidence, or improvement.

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Proverbs & Sayings

A tough act to follow

A person or performance that makes it difficult for the next one to match the standard.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Get the short end of the stick

Receive the less favorable part of an unfair arrangement.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Lay your cards on the table

Be fully honest about your position, plans, or concerns.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Bite off more than you can chew

Take on more work or responsibility than you can manage well.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Give someone the benefit of the doubt

Choose the more charitable explanation when you do not have enough evidence.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Safe and sound

Safe and unharmed.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Year in, year out

Repeatedly over many years.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Put your money where your mouth is

Support what you claim to believe with real action, resources, or commitment.

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Proverbs & Sayings

All good things must come to an end

Even an enjoyable experience eventually finishes.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Scrape the bottom of the barrel

Settle for the poorest remaining option after better choices are gone.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Six of one, half a dozen of the other

Two options are essentially the same in the end.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Caught between a rock and a hard place

Forced to choose between two difficult options.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Nothing ventured, nothing gained

You may need to take a reasonable risk to create an opportunity.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Crocodile tears

Insincere expressions of sadness or sympathy.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Everything from soup to nuts

A complete range from beginning to end.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Catch as catch can

Use whatever opportunity or method is available.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Give someone a taste of their own medicine

Treat someone in the same unpleasant way they have treated others.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Have eyes in the back of your head

Notice what is happening even when you cannot see it directly.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Live and let live

Allow other people to live according to their own preferences.

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Proverbs & Sayings

As comfortable as an old shoe

Very familiar, relaxed, and easy to be around.

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Proverbs & Sayings

There’s more than one fish in the sea

There are other opportunities or relationships if one does not work out.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Loose lips sink ships

Careless talk can reveal information and cause serious trouble.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Pick on someone your own size

Stop bullying someone weaker and choose an equal opponent instead.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Bury your head in the sand

Ignore an obvious problem instead of facing it.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Have eyes like a hawk

Notice small details quickly and accurately.

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Proverbs & Sayings

A penny saved is a penny earned

Avoiding unnecessary spending can be as valuable as earning more money.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Busy as a bee

Very busy and active.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Necessity is the mother of invention

A difficult need can inspire a creative solution.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Speak of the devil

Said when the person you were just discussing appears.

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Proverbs & Sayings

The handwriting is on the wall

There are clear signs that an unpleasant event is likely to happen.

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Proverbs & Sayings

It’s on the tip of my tongue

You almost remember or can say something but cannot quite produce it yet.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Just scratch the surface

Begin to examine something without reaching its deeper complexity.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Add insult to injury

Make a bad situation worse by adding another hurt or unfairness.

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Proverbs & Sayings

A new lease on life

A fresh period of energy, opportunity, or purpose.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Left holding the bag

Left responsible for a problem while others avoid the consequences.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Haste makes waste

Rushing increases the chance of mistakes and wasted effort.

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Proverbs & Sayings

It’s always darkest before the dawn

A difficult period may come just before conditions improve.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Go above and beyond the call of duty

Do much more than your role or responsibility requires.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Plain as the nose on your face

Extremely obvious or easy to see.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Bury the hatchet

End a disagreement and make peace.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Music charms the savage beast

Music can soften even a very angry or difficult person.

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Proverbs & Sayings

The love of money is the root of all evil

Excessive attachment to money can lead people toward harmful choices.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Finders keepers, losers weepers

A playful claim that whoever finds something may keep it.

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Proverbs & Sayings

He who lives by the sword dies by the sword

People who rely on violence or aggression may eventually suffer the same treatment.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Great oaks from tiny acorns grow

Large achievements can begin with a very small start.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Good things come to those who wait

Patience can bring a better result than rushing.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Walk softly and carry a big stick

Use calm diplomacy while maintaining the ability to protect your interests.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Out with the old, in with the new

Replace an old way, item, or system with something new.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Soft as a baby’s bottom

Extremely soft and smooth.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Toss your hat into the ring

Enter a competition or announce that you are a candidate.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Boys will be boys

A traditional phrase used to excuse stereotypically mischievous behavior by boys.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Honesty is the best policy

Being truthful is usually the wisest and safest approach.

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Proverbs & Sayings

What goes on behind closed doors

Private events or behavior that other people do not see.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Strike a happy medium

Find a balanced option between two extremes.

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Proverbs & Sayings

My hands are tied

I cannot change the situation because of rules, authority, or circumstances.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Actions speak louder than words

What someone does communicates more reliably than what they promise.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Add fuel to the fire

Make an already difficult or tense situation worse.

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Proverbs & Sayings

The apple of someone’s eye

A person someone loves or values especially highly.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Bark up the wrong tree

Pursue the wrong explanation, person, or solution.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Beat around the bush

Avoid stating the main point directly.

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Proverbs & Sayings

The best thing since sliced bread

An amusingly enthusiastic way to call something an excellent invention or improvement.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Blood is thicker than water

Family relationships are often considered stronger or more lasting than other ties.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Break a leg

A theatrical way to wish someone good luck before a performance.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Call a spade a spade

Describe something plainly and directly.

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Proverbs & Sayings

The devil is in the details

Small details can determine whether a plan succeeds or fails.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Every cloud has a silver lining

Even a difficult situation may contain a hopeful or useful aspect.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Get your act together

Become organized, prepared, or more responsible.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Get your feet wet

Gain initial experience by trying something in a limited way.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Hit the nail on the head

Identify or express the exact central point.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Jump on the bandwagon

Join a popular trend or movement after it already appears successful.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Keep an eye on

Watch or monitor someone or something carefully.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Let the cat out of the bag

Reveal a secret or surprise accidentally or prematurely.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Miss the boat

Lose an opportunity by acting too late or failing to understand it.

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Proverbs & Sayings

It’s not rocket science

The task is not as difficult or complicated as it may seem.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Once bitten, twice shy

After a bad experience, people often become cautious about repeating it.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Read between the lines

Look for an implied meaning beyond the literal words.

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Proverbs & Sayings

As a rule of thumb

A practical general guideline rather than an exact rule.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Spill the beans

Reveal secret or private information.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Take the bull by the horns

Deal with a difficult situation directly and decisively.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Under the weather

Feeling slightly ill or physically unwell.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Water under the bridge

A past problem that is no longer worth arguing about.

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Proverbs & Sayings

You can’t have your cake and eat it too

You cannot keep two benefits when choosing one makes the other impossible.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Your guess is as good as mine

I do not know either, so we have the same amount of information.

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Proverbs & Sayings

A stitch in time saves nine

Fixing a small problem early can prevent a much larger problem later.

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Proverbs & Sayings

I’m all ears

I am ready and willing to listen.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Cost an arm and a leg

Cost a very large amount of money.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Cross that bridge when we come to it

Deal with a possible problem only when it actually happens.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Cut corners

Do something cheaply or quickly by skipping proper steps.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket

Do not risk everything on one plan, opportunity, or source.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Drop the ball

Fail to do something important or make a preventable mistake.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Easy does it

Proceed slowly and carefully.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Get out of hand

Become difficult to control or manage.

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Proverbs & Sayings

In the same boat

In the same difficult or limiting situation as someone else.

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Proverbs & Sayings

It takes two to tango

A situation or conflict usually involves the actions of more than one person.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Keep your chin up

Stay hopeful and resilient during a difficult time.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Kill two birds with one stone

Accomplish two goals with one action.

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Proverbs & Sayings

No pain, no gain

Improvement usually requires effort and some discomfort.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Off the hook

No longer responsible for a problem, obligation, or consequence.

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Proverbs & Sayings

A piece of cake

Very easy to do.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Put your foot in your mouth

Say something embarrassing, insensitive, or inappropriate.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Speak the same language

Share the same understanding, expectations, or way of approaching an issue.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Take it with a grain of salt

Treat information as possibly exaggerated, incomplete, or unreliable.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Through thick and thin

Through good and bad times without abandoning someone.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Time flies

Time seems to pass very quickly.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Up in the air

Not yet decided, settled, or certain.

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Proverbs & Sayings

The whole nine yards

Everything available or the complete set of something.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Word of mouth

Information or recommendations shared informally from person to person.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Birds of a feather flock together

People with similar interests, values, or habits often spend time together.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Two’s company, three’s a crowd

A third person can feel out of place when two people want private time together.

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Proverbs & Sayings

The early bird gets the worm

Being early or acting promptly can create an advantage.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Better late than never

Doing something late is still better than not doing it at all.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Once in a blue moon

Very rarely.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Don’t count your chickens before they hatch

Do not assume a hoped-for result is guaranteed before it happens.

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Proverbs & Sayings

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush

A certain, smaller benefit may be wiser than risking it for an uncertain larger one.

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Proverbs & Sayings

Familiarity breeds contempt

Constant closeness can sometimes make people take one another for granted or become overly critical.

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Work & Performance

Get it off the ground

Successfully start a project or idea.

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Meetings & Communication

Touch base

Have a short conversation to exchange updates.

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Decisions & Problem Solving

Pull the plug

Stop a project, plan, or activity completely.

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Work & Performance

Bells and whistles

Extra attractive features that are not essential.

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Work & Performance

Keep it under wraps

Keep information secret or private for now.

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Money & Value

Crunch the numbers

Analyze calculations or financial data carefully.

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Money & Value

The bottom line

The most important conclusion, or a company’s final financial result.

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Decisions & Problem Solving

Give it the green light

Approve something so it can proceed.

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Work & Performance

Brainstorm

Generate many ideas before judging or narrowing them.

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Meetings & Communication

Be on the same page

Share the same understanding or have the same current information.

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Leadership & Teamwork

Get buy-in

Gain genuine support or agreement from the people involved.

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Work & Performance

Think outside the box

Consider ideas beyond the usual assumptions or methods.

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Decisions & Problem Solving

Bite the bullet

Accept and do something difficult or unpleasant that cannot be avoided.

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Decisions & Problem Solving

A tough call

A decision that is difficult because the options have serious tradeoffs.

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Work & Performance

Track record

A person’s or organization’s history of results and performance.

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Leadership & Teamwork

Rally the troops

Bring a team together and motivate them around a goal.

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Meetings & Communication

Circle back

Return to a topic or contact someone again later.

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Meetings & Communication

Cover a lot of ground

Discuss or accomplish many things in a period of time.

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Work & Performance

Drop the ball

Make a mistake by failing to handle a responsibility.

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Leadership & Teamwork

Cut someone some slack

Be less critical and give someone more understanding or flexibility.

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Work & Performance

Under the weather

Feeling mildly ill or unwell.

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Money & Value

More bang for the buck

More value or benefit for the money spent.

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Decisions & Problem Solving

Sleep on it

Wait until the next day before making a decision.

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Work & Performance

Read between the lines

Understand an implied message that was not stated directly.

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Meetings & Communication

Get down to business

Stop the small talk and begin the main work or discussion.

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Meetings & Communication

Get off track

Move away from the intended topic, plan, or goal.

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Meetings & Communication

Put in your two cents

Offer your personal opinion or a small contribution to a discussion.

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Meetings & Communication

Keep someone in the loop

Keep someone informed as plans or work develop.

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Meetings & Communication

Take it from there

Continue with the next part after the current speaker or team finishes.

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Meetings & Communication

Run some ideas by you

Briefly share ideas to get someone’s reaction or advice.

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Decisions & Problem Solving

Keep an open mind

Stay willing to consider an idea before deciding whether it is good.

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Decisions & Problem Solving

A no-brainer

A choice that seems so obvious it requires very little debate.

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Decisions & Problem Solving

Stand firm

Keep your position or limit instead of giving in under pressure.

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Decisions & Problem Solving

Weigh another offer

Carefully compare an alternative before deciding.

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Work & Performance

Get the ball rolling

Start an activity or process so progress can begin.

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Work & Performance

Flesh it out

Add enough detail to make an early idea, plan, or outline complete.

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Work & Performance

Work out the kinks

Fix the small problems that remain in a new system or plan.

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Leadership & Teamwork

Go the extra mile

Make an effort beyond what is normally expected.

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Leadership & Teamwork

Roll up your sleeves

Prepare to do practical, hands-on work.

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Leadership & Teamwork

Pull your weight

Do your fair share of the work in a group.

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Leadership & Teamwork

A team player

Someone who cooperates well and supports the group’s shared goal.

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Leadership & Teamwork

A can-do attitude

A practical, optimistic willingness to try to solve a problem.

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Leadership & Teamwork

A pat on the back

Recognition or praise for doing something well.

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Work & Performance

At the top of your game

Performing at your highest current level.

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Work & Performance

Make the grade

Meet the required standard or level.

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Work & Performance

Up to scratch

Good enough to meet the expected quality or standard.

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Money & Value

On a tight budget

Having very limited money available to spend.

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Money & Value

Break even

Earn exactly enough to cover costs, with no profit or loss.

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Money & Value

Belt-tightening

Reducing spending because money is limited.

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Money & Value

Save a bundle

Save a large amount of money.

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Everyday Language

Call it quits

Decide to stop an activity, effort, or relationship.

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Everyday Language

Chill out

Relax, calm down, or stop taking something so seriously.

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Everyday Language

Count me in

Include me; I want to participate.

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Everyday Language

Face the music

Accept the unpleasant consequences of something you did or avoided.

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Everyday Language

Hang in there

Keep going through a difficult period; do not give up yet.

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Everyday Language

Have a lot on my plate

Have many responsibilities or tasks to handle at once.

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Everyday Language

I beg to differ

I politely but clearly disagree.

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Everyday Language

In a nutshell

In the shortest, clearest summary.

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Everyday Language

No big deal

It is not a serious problem or inconvenience.

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Everyday Language

No hard feelings

I am not holding anger or resentment after a disagreement or disappointment.

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Everyday Language

On the dot

Exactly at the stated time.

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Everyday Language

Out of hand

Out of control or too difficult to manage.

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Everyday Language

Slip my mind

Be forgotten temporarily, usually without intention.

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Everyday Language

Under the weather

Feeling mildly sick or low in energy.

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Everyday Language

Burned out

Emotionally or physically exhausted after prolonged stress or effort.

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Meetings & Communication

Break the news

Tell someone important or often difficult news for the first time.

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Money & Value

Back-of-the-envelope calculation

A quick, rough estimate made with limited information.

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Decisions & Problem Solving

At the end of the day

When all factors are considered; ultimately.

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Leadership & Teamwork

The big picture

The overall goal, context, or long-term view rather than small details.

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Meetings & Communication

Cut to the chase

Get to the important point without extra introduction or detail.

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Work & Performance

Dot your i’s and cross your t’s

Check every small detail carefully before finishing.

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Decisions & Problem Solving

An educated guess

A reasonable estimate based on experience or limited evidence.

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Work & Performance

Fast-track a project

Move a project through a process more quickly than usual.

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Work & Performance

Give it your best shot

Make your strongest sincere attempt, even without a guaranteed outcome.

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Work & Performance

Go back to the drawing board

Start planning again because the current approach is not working.

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Leadership & Teamwork

Keep your eye on the prize

Stay focused on the most important goal despite distractions.

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Decisions & Problem Solving

Set in stone

Fixed and not likely to change.

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Leadership & Teamwork

Pass the buck

Avoid responsibility by pushing it to someone else.

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Decisions & Problem Solving

Put a stake in the ground

Make an initial clear commitment or position that can guide later work.

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Leadership & Teamwork

Run a tight ship

Manage a team or operation with clear rules, order, and discipline.

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Everyday Language

As sick as a dog

Very sick, often too sick to do normal activities.

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Everyday Language

Burn the midnight oil

Work or study late into the night.

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Everyday Language

Child’s play

Something very easy to do.

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Everyday Language

Draw a blank

Fail to remember or think of an answer.

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Everyday Language

First thing in the morning

At the very beginning of the next morning.

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Everyday Language

Get cold feet

Become nervous and hesitate before an important action or commitment.

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Everyday Language

Get under someone’s skin

Irritate someone persistently or affect them deeply.

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Everyday Language

Get wind of

Hear about something indirectly, often before it is public.

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Everyday Language

Grin and bear it

Endure something unpleasant without complaining much.

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Everyday Language

Have a knack for

Have a natural skill for doing something well.

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Everyday Language

Hit the ground running

Start a new role or activity with energy and immediate effectiveness.

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Everyday Language

In deep trouble

In a serious difficult situation with major consequences.

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Everyday Language

Jump the gun

Act too early before the proper time or information is ready.

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Everyday Language

The last straw

The final small problem that makes a person unable to tolerate a situation any longer.

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Everyday Language

Lose your shirt

Lose a very large amount of money, especially through a bad investment or gamble.

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Work & Performance

The rumor mill

The informal network through which unconfirmed stories spread.

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Money & Value

Cost an arm and a leg

Be extremely expensive.

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Money & Value

At a premium

Available only at a high price because it is scarce or especially valuable.

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Work & Performance

Beef up

Make something stronger, larger, or more capable.

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Money & Value

A cash cow

A product or activity that reliably brings in a lot of money.

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Work & Performance

Carve out a niche

Create a distinct, successful position in a specific market or field.

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Work & Performance

Drum up business

Actively attract new customers or sales.

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Work & Performance

Generate buzz

Create excitement and conversation around something new.

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Work & Performance

Guerrilla marketing

Creative, low-cost promotion designed to get attention in unexpected ways.

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Money & Value

Market share

The percentage of a market’s sales or customers held by one company.

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Work & Performance

Plug a product

Promote or mention a product to encourage interest or sales.

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Work & Performance

Sign on new customers

Gain customers who formally agree to use a service or product.

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Leadership & Teamwork

Turn a business around

Improve a struggling business so that it becomes successful again.

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Leadership & Teamwork

Wear many hats

Have several different roles or responsibilities.

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Work & Performance

Work down to the wire

Continue working until the very last possible moment before a deadline.

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Work & Performance

A start-up

A new company, usually one still building its product, market, and team.

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Money & Value

Cut back on

Reduce the amount of something, especially spending, time, or use.

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Work & Performance

Fine-tune

Make small adjustments to improve something that is already mostly working.

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Work & Performance

Go all out

Put in maximum effort or use all available energy and resources.

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Work & Performance

A hard sell

A forceful attempt to persuade someone to buy or agree.

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Work & Performance

Make a splash

Create a strong, noticeable first impression.

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Work & Performance

Push the envelope

Try to extend the usual limits of what is possible or accepted.

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Leadership & Teamwork

Step up to the plate

Take responsibility and act when a challenge needs someone to lead.

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Work & Performance

A big win

An important success that creates a meaningful advantage or result.

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Work & Performance

A blockbuster

A product, release, or deal that achieves unusually large popular or commercial success.

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Work & Performance

Come up with a winner

Develop an idea, product, or solution that proves highly successful.

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Work & Performance

Cutting-edge

Using the newest and most advanced ideas, methods, or technology.

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Work & Performance

Deliver

Produce the result that was promised or expected.

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Decisions & Problem Solving

A different animal

A situation or problem that is fundamentally different and needs another approach.

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Leadership & Teamwork

Do whatever it takes

Use every reasonable effort needed to achieve an important result.

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Work & Performance

Fast followers

Companies or teams that quickly adopt and improve an innovation introduced by someone else.

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Decisions & Problem Solving

A game plan

A practical strategy for reaching a goal or handling a situation.

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Work & Performance

Get the job done

Complete the necessary work and achieve the required result.

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Work & Performance

Get up to speed

Learn enough about a topic or situation to participate effectively.

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Leadership & Teamwork

Keep up the good work

Continue performing at the same strong level.

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Leadership & Teamwork

Kudos to

Public praise or credit given to someone for good work.

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Meetings & Communication

On board

In agreement with a plan or willing to participate in it.

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Work & Performance

Opportunity areas

Parts of a project or performance that could be improved or developed.

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Leadership & Teamwork

Run your own show

Control a business, team, or operation yourself.

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Money & Value

Make money hand over fist

Earn a large amount of money very quickly.

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Money & Value

Go belly up

Fail completely as a business or become unable to continue operating.

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Money & Value

Snap up

Buy or obtain something quickly because it is attractive, scarce, or inexpensive.

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Money & Value

For a song

For a surprisingly low price.

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Decisions & Problem Solving

See the writing on the wall

Recognize clear warning signs that something difficult is likely to happen.

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Work & Performance

Jump ship

Leave an organization or project, especially when trouble is expected.

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Decisions & Problem Solving

Get it out of your system

Satisfy an urge or try an experience until you no longer feel compelled to pursue it.

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Work & Performance

Not all it’s cracked up to be

Not as good, easy, or impressive as people claim.

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Work & Performance

Strike out

Fail in an attempt to achieve or obtain something.

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Money & Value

Strike it rich

Become wealthy suddenly through a successful idea, discovery, or investment.

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Leadership & Teamwork

Take the ball and run with it

Accept an idea or responsibility and move it forward independently.

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Meetings & Communication

The nitty-gritty

The practical details and essential facts of a situation.

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Meetings & Communication

Is there any room to negotiate?

Is there flexibility to change the price, terms, or conditions?

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Decisions & Problem Solving

Split the difference

Settle a disagreement by choosing a point halfway between two positions.

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Work & Performance

An A player

A consistently high-performing employee who makes an important contribution.

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Work & Performance

Earn your keep

Contribute enough work or value to justify your pay or place on a team.

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Work & Performance

Go the extra mile

Do more than the minimum required to produce a better result or help someone.

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Leadership & Teamwork

Take someone into your confidence

Trust someone with sensitive or private information.

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Leadership & Teamwork

A go-getter

An energetic, ambitious person who takes initiative and produces results.

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Decisions & Problem Solving

Push your luck

Take an extra risk after already receiving a favorable result.

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Decisions & Problem Solving

Play your cards right

Handle a situation skillfully so that you improve your chances of success.

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Work & Performance

Down the road

At some later time in the future.

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Work & Performance

Your work has slipped

The quality or reliability of someone’s performance has declined.

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Work & Performance

At the top of your game

Performing at your highest level of skill and effectiveness.

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Work & Performance

Take credit for

Claim recognition for an idea, action, or result.

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Work & Performance

Not lift a finger

Make no effort at all to help with a task or problem.

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Meetings & Communication

Read between the lines

Understand an unstated meaning by noticing hints, tone, or context.

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Meetings & Communication

Cut to the chase

Skip the background and state the most important point directly.

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Work & Performance

Build from the ground up

Create something completely from its earliest foundation.

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Work & Performance

Let someone go

End someone’s employment, usually as a softer way to say they were fired or laid off.

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Decisions & Problem Solving

My hands are tied

I cannot act differently because rules, authority, or circumstances leave me no choice.

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Work & Performance

Reduce headcount

Decrease the number of people employed by an organization.

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Decisions & Problem Solving

When push comes to shove

When a situation becomes serious and a real decision or action is required.

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Work & Performance

Between jobs

Temporarily not employed while looking for the next position.

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Money & Value

Buy out

Purchase a company or acquire another owner’s entire share of it.

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Work & Performance

A people person

Someone who naturally enjoys and handles interaction with other people well.

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Leadership & Teamwork

Hands-off

Allowing people to work independently without close involvement or control.

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Leadership & Teamwork

Micromanage

Control another person’s work too closely, especially minor details.

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Work & Performance

Put in place

Establish or implement a system, process, or rule.

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Work & Performance

Spark someone’s interest

Cause someone to become curious or interested in something.

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Work & Performance

A stepping stone

An experience or position that helps someone advance toward a larger goal.

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Work & Performance

Get your foot in the door

Gain an initial opportunity inside an organization or field that may lead to more.

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Decisions & Problem Solving

Business is business

Professional decisions sometimes follow practical interests rather than personal feelings.

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Leadership & Teamwork

Soften the blow

Make bad news or a difficult change feel less painful.

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Money & Value

Break the budget

Cost more than the amount available or planned for spending.

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Money & Value

More bang for the buck

More value, benefit, or impact for the money spent.

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Money & Value

Throw in

Include an additional item or benefit, often without increasing the price.

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Money & Value

At no extra charge

Included without an additional payment.

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Meetings & Communication

No can do

I cannot agree to or complete that request.

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Money & Value

On a tight budget

Working with only a limited amount of money to spend.

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Work & Performance

Off the record

Shared unofficially and not intended to be quoted or publicly attributed.

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Decisions & Problem Solving

A happy medium

A satisfying compromise between two different or extreme choices.

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Money & Value

Nickel-and-dime

Focus on many small charges or bargain repeatedly over minor amounts.

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Meetings & Communication

It’s a deal

I accept the proposal and agree to the terms just discussed.

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Work & Performance

Not so hot

Not very good, effective, or impressive.

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Decisions & Problem Solving

Do a 180

Change direction, opinion, or performance completely.

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Work & Performance

Keep someone in the loop

Regularly give someone the information they need about an ongoing matter.

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Work & Performance

Pride yourself on

Consider a particular quality or skill an important source of personal pride.

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Meetings & Communication

Make heads or tails of

Understand or interpret something that seems confusing or disorganized.

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Work & Performance

Bring a product to market

Complete the work needed to make a product available to customers.

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Work & Performance

All in a day’s work

A task is a normal or expected part of someone’s job.

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Work & Performance

A brown-noser

Someone who uses excessive flattery to gain favor from a person with authority.

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Work & Performance

Brownie points

Informal credit gained by doing something that pleases or impresses another person.

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Work & Performance

Around the clock

Continuously throughout the day and night.

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Work & Performance

Burn your bridges

Damage a relationship or option so badly that returning becomes difficult or impossible.

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Leadership & Teamwork

Asleep at the wheel

Failing to notice or respond to an important responsibility or danger.

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Work & Performance

Butter someone up

Flatter someone because you want a favor or advantage.

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Work & Performance

At someone’s expense

In a way that causes another person harm, embarrassment, or disadvantage.

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Meetings & Communication

Go back and forth on an issue

Repeatedly discuss opposing views or change between positions without settling.

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Money & Value

Back-of-the-envelope calculations

Quick, rough calculations used to estimate whether an idea is plausible.

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Meetings & Communication

Bat around some ideas

Discuss several possibilities informally before choosing a direction.

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Money & Value

Cash in on

Use a trend, event, or opportunity to make money or gain an advantage.

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Work & Performance

Climb the corporate ladder

Advance through increasingly senior positions in a company.

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Work & Performance

Beyond the call of duty

Far more effort or help than a role normally requires.

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Decisions & Problem Solving

Compare apples to oranges

Compare two things that are too different for the comparison to be fair or useful.

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Work & Performance

A bigwig

An important or powerful person in an organization or field.

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Work & Performance

Cover yourself

Keep evidence or take precautions to protect yourself if a problem or dispute occurs.

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Decisions & Problem Solving

A bitter pill to swallow

A difficult fact, loss, or decision that must be accepted.

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Work & Performance

Crunch time

The short, high-pressure period when essential work must be finished.

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Meetings & Communication

Blow something out of proportion

Make a problem seem much larger or more serious than it really is.

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Work & Performance

Cut it close

Leave barely enough time, money, or margin to succeed.

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Work & Performance

Get nailed

Be caught, blamed, penalized, or strongly criticized for a mistake.

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Work & Performance

Get right on it

Begin handling a request or problem immediately.

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Work & Performance

Get something off the ground

Successfully start a project, business, or initiative.

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Work & Performance

A dog-eat-dog world

An extremely competitive environment where people may harm others to succeed.

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Work & Performance

Get to the bottom of

Investigate until the true cause or full explanation is understood.

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Work & Performance

Get with the program

Accept the current plan or expectations and begin following them.

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Decisions & Problem Solving

Give the green light

Give official permission for a plan or project to proceed.

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Decisions & Problem Solving

Good call

That was a wise decision or accurate judgment.

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Work & Performance

Dream up

Invent or imagine an unusual idea, plan, or solution.

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Meetings & Communication

Drive a hard bargain

Negotiate firmly to obtain terms that strongly favor your side.

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Work & Performance

Give someone an earful

Speak to someone at length and angrily about a problem.

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Work & Performance

A fall guy

A person made to take blame for a problem, often to protect others.

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Work & Performance

A half-baked idea

An idea that has not been developed or thought through enough.

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Work & Performance

Flesh out

Add useful details to make an idea, plan, or description more complete.

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Work & Performance

Have a lot on your plate

Have many responsibilities or demands competing for your attention.

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Meetings & Communication

For starters

To begin with; introducing the first item in a larger explanation or plan.

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Meetings & Communication

For the record

Said to make your position or a fact clear and officially noted.

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Meetings & Communication

Have in mind

Be considering a particular idea, person, amount, or plan.

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Work & Performance

Hunker down

Settle in and concentrate intensely on difficult or urgent work.

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Meetings & Communication

I beg to differ

A polite but firm way to say that you disagree.

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Meetings & Communication

Agree to disagree

Accept that people hold different opinions and stop trying to force agreement.

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Work & Performance

The icing on the cake

An additional benefit that makes an already good situation even better.

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Work & Performance

In hot water

In trouble or facing criticism because of a mistake or poor decision.

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Money & Value

Make a killing

Earn a very large profit in a short time.

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Meetings & Communication

Make a mountain out of a molehill

Treat a small problem as though it were extremely serious.

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Work & Performance

Make a pass at someone

Show romantic or sexual interest in someone, often directly and sometimes unwelcome.

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Work & Performance

Me-too products

Products that closely imitate an already successful competitor instead of offering much that is new.

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Meetings & Communication

Not mince words

Speak very directly without softening an opinion or criticism.

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Meetings & Communication

Miss the point

Fail to understand the central idea or most important issue.

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Work & Performance

Mum’s the word

Keep this information secret and do not discuss it with others.

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Decisions & Problem Solving

My gut tells me

My intuition suggests something even though I may not have complete evidence.

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Money & Value

Keep your head above water

Barely manage to meet financial demands or keep up with responsibilities.

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Work & Performance

Keep your nose to the grindstone

Continue working with steady, intense concentration.

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Leadership & Teamwork

New blood

New people who bring fresh energy, ideas, or skills to an organization.

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Work & Performance

Nothing to sneeze at

Significant enough to deserve serious attention or respect.

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Decisions & Problem Solving

Of two minds

Unable to decide because you see good reasons for two different choices.

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Meetings & Communication

On the same page

Sharing the same understanding, expectations, or plan.

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Money & Value

Out of our range

Beyond the price, capacity, or limits that we can accept.

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Decisions & Problem Solving

A reality check

A clear look at facts that corrects unrealistic expectations.

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Work & Performance

Rest on your laurels

Rely on past success instead of continuing to improve.

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Decisions & Problem Solving

Review an offer

Examine proposed terms carefully before accepting or rejecting them.

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Money & Value

A rip-off

Something unfairly overpriced or a deal that cheats the buyer.

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Money & Value

Run the numbers

Calculate and analyze the financial or numerical details.

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Meetings & Communication

Run some ideas by someone

Share ideas informally to get another person’s reaction or advice.

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Work & Performance

Run with an idea

Develop and advance an idea with energy and independence.

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Work & Performance

Pan out

Develop successfully or produce the hoped-for result.

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Work & Performance

Scale back your hours

Reduce the amount of time you regularly spend working.

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Work & Performance

Pitch in

Join others and help with the work that needs to be done.

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Meetings & Communication

See eye to eye

Agree fully with another person about an issue.

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Work & Performance

Settle down

Become calmer, more stable, or less busy after a period of activity.

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Leadership & Teamwork

Share the credit

Recognize other people who contributed to a success.

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Money & Value

Shell out

Pay a substantial amount of money, often reluctantly.

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Work & Performance

Pull out all the stops

Use every available resource and effort to achieve a result.

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Work & Performance

Pull something off

Successfully complete something difficult or unlikely.

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Leadership & Teamwork

A slave driver

A person who demands extremely hard or excessive work from others.

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Work & Performance

Sick and tired of

Extremely annoyed or frustrated by something that keeps happening.

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Work & Performance

Track something down

Search carefully until you find a person, item, or piece of information.

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Leadership & Teamwork

Turn a blind eye to

Deliberately ignore wrongdoing or a problem that should be addressed.

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Decisions & Problem Solving

Stand your ground

Maintain your position despite pressure to give in or retreat.

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Meetings & Communication

Twist someone’s arm

Pressure or strongly persuade someone to do something.

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Decisions & Problem Solving

Steer clear of

Intentionally avoid a person, topic, or risky situation.

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Work & Performance

Have something under your belt

Have gained useful experience or completed an achievement.

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Work & Performance

Stressed out

Feeling overwhelmed, tense, or unable to relax because of pressure.

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Work & Performance

Strike gold

Discover an idea or opportunity that becomes unexpectedly valuable or successful.

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Meetings & Communication

Until you’re blue in the face

For a very long time and with great effort, especially when persuasion is failing.

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Work & Performance

Up to your ears in work

Extremely busy with more work than feels manageable.

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Work & Performance

Up to your old tricks

Repeating familiar behavior, usually behavior that is dishonest, annoying, or mischievous.

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Work & Performance

Swamped

Overwhelmed by a very large amount of work or requests.

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Work & Performance

A tagline

A short, memorable phrase that communicates a brand or campaign idea.

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Work & Performance

Take a crack at

Make an attempt at a task or problem, especially one that may be difficult.

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Leadership & Teamwork

Wash your hands of

Refuse further responsibility or involvement in a difficult matter.

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Work & Performance

Take the cake

Be the most extreme, surprising, or remarkable example.

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Meetings & Communication

Weigh in on

Offer an opinion or expert view during a discussion.

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Work & Performance

What goes around comes around

The way you treat others eventually brings similar consequences back to you.

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Work & Performance

Talk behind someone’s back

Discuss or criticize someone when they are absent and cannot respond.

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Meetings & Communication

Talk someone into

Persuade someone through conversation to do something.

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Leadership & Teamwork

Team spirit

Shared loyalty, enthusiasm, and willingness to support the group.

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Work & Performance

Tell me about it!

An informal way to strongly agree because you have experienced the same problem.

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Work & Performance

Test the waters

Try a small step first to learn how people or conditions will respond.

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Decisions & Problem Solving

Wishy-washy

Unclear, weak, or unable to make a firm decision.

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Meetings & Communication

That’s putting it lightly

The previous description is much milder than the reality.

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Work & Performance

Work your tail off

Work extremely hard for an extended period.

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Decisions & Problem Solving

Think twice

Consider a decision very carefully before acting.

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Money & Value

Through the roof

At an extremely high level or rising very quickly.

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Meetings & Communication

Throw cold water on

Discourage an idea or reduce people’s enthusiasm for it.

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Decisions & Problem Solving

Throw in the towel

Stop trying and admit defeat.

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Money & Value

To the tune of

Amounting to a surprisingly large sum of money.

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Work & Performance

24/7

All day, every day, without interruption.

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Work & Performance

Work out the kinks

Fix the small problems in a new system or plan.

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Leadership & Teamwork

A yes-man

Someone who agrees with a powerful person instead of offering honest judgment.

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Decisions & Problem Solving

Why mess with success?

Why change something that is already working well?

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Work & Performance

Wiped out

Extremely tired or completely depleted.

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Meetings & Communication

Where to begin?

There are so many points or problems that choosing a starting place is difficult.

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Work & Performance

What’s the deal?

What is happening, or what explains this situation?

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Work & Performance

The walls have ears

Someone may overhear a private conversation, even when the place seems safe.

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Work & Performance

Un-PC

Not politically correct; likely to offend or exclude people through insensitive language.

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Work & Performance

Politically correct

Using language intended to avoid disrespecting or excluding particular groups.

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Work & Performance

Point fingers at each other

Blame one another instead of solving the problem.

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Work & Performance

Bent out of shape

Very upset, annoyed, or worried about something.

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Decisions & Problem Solving

The best of both worlds

The advantages of two different choices enjoyed at the same time.

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Decisions & Problem Solving

Between a rock and a hard place

Forced to choose between two difficult or undesirable options.

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Money & Value

The bottom line

The most important conclusion, or the final financial result.

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Leadership & Teamwork

Clean house

Remove ineffective people or practices and make major organizational changes.

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Meetings & Communication

Cover a lot of ground

Complete or discuss a large amount in a limited time.

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Work & Performance

Get ahead

Make progress in a career or gain an advantage.

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Meetings & Communication

At the end of the day

When everything has been considered; introducing the final or most important point.

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Money & Value

Can’t afford to

Be unable to accept the financial cost or practical risk of an action.

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Work & Performance

Come with the territory

Be a normal and unavoidable part of a role or situation.

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Leadership & Teamwork

Cut someone some slack

Be less critical and allow someone extra understanding or flexibility.

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Work & Performance

Your head is on the chopping block

Your job or position is in serious danger.

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Work & Performance

Kick off

Officially start a project, event, or meeting.

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Leadership & Teamwork

No ifs, ands, or buts

No excuses, conditions, or arguments will be accepted.

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Meetings & Communication

No wonder

The reason makes the result completely understandable or unsurprising.

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Work & Performance

Run in place

Work hard without making meaningful progress.

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Work & Performance

Give someone a run for their money

Compete strongly enough to seriously challenge someone.

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Work & Performance

A far cry from

Very different from and usually much worse than something else.

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Work & Performance

It blows my mind

It surprises or amazes me extremely.

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Meetings & Communication

Don’t waste your breath

Do not keep arguing because the listener is unlikely to change.

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Work & Performance

Dump someone

End a romantic relationship abruptly or without much sensitivity.

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Work & Performance

A hot-head

A person who becomes angry quickly and acts impulsively.

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Work & Performance

I can’t believe my ears!

I am extremely surprised by what I just heard.

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Work & Performance

Likely story

A sarcastic response meaning that an explanation is not believable.

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Decisions & Problem Solving

Live to regret

Later feel sorry about a decision because it causes bad consequences.

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Leadership & Teamwork

Look at yourself in the mirror

Examine your own conduct honestly before criticizing others.

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Meetings & Communication

I wasn’t born yesterday

I am experienced enough not to be easily deceived.

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Work & Performance

In a snit

In a visibly annoyed or bad-tempered mood.

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Work & Performance

Mess around

Waste time, behave unseriously, or interfere carelessly.

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Work & Performance

Need it like a hole in the head

Have absolutely no need for something, especially another problem.

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Work & Performance

Leaving us

Leaving an organization, sometimes used as a gentle way to announce a departure or dismissal.

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Work & Performance

Out for yourself

Concerned mainly with your own advantage rather than the group’s interests.

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Meetings & Communication

Out of your mind

Acting or thinking in a way that seems completely unreasonable.

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Work & Performance

Out of the loop

Not receiving important information or not included in ongoing communication.

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Decisions & Problem Solving

Out of the question

Impossible or completely unacceptable as an option.

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Leadership & Teamwork

Out of touch with reality

Holding ideas that do not match real conditions or people’s actual experience.

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Money & Value

A pretty penny

A large or surprisingly high amount of money.

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Work & Performance

Pull the wool over someone’s eyes

Deceive someone by hiding the truth or creating a false impression.

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Work & Performance

Spare us the sob story

Stop giving an emotional explanation that the speaker does not accept as a valid excuse.

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Leadership & Teamwork

Shape up or ship out

Improve your behavior or performance, or leave the organization.

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Work & Performance

A stocking stuffer

A small, inexpensive holiday gift placed inside a Christmas stocking.

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Work & Performance

Take it easy

Relax, avoid overexertion, or proceed without unnecessary pressure.

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Work & Performance

What’s up?

A casual greeting or an informal question asking what is happening.

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Work & Performance

Call in sick

Tell your workplace that illness prevents you from working that day.

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Work & Performance

R&R

Rest and relaxation taken after work, stress, or travel.

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Work & Performance

Dream on!

That hope is unrealistic and will not happen.

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Work & Performance

Eat someone’s lunch

Compete so effectively that you take another company’s customers or advantage.

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Meetings & Communication

Go on about

Talk repeatedly or for too long about one subject.

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Work & Performance

Every time I turn around

Something happens repeatedly and annoyingly often.

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Work & Performance

Have a chip on your shoulder

Carry resentment and be ready to take offense.

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Work & Performance

Have a rough night

Sleep badly or experience a difficult night.

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Work & Performance

Have some issues

Have problems, concerns, or unresolved difficulties.

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Meetings & Communication

I could have sworn

I was almost certain something was true, though it may not be.

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Work & Performance

In the bag

Almost certain to be won or achieved.

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Money & Value

In the red

Losing money or owing more than is available.

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Work & Performance

In tip-top shape

In excellent condition or health.

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Work & Performance

My stomach is killing me

My stomach hurts very badly.

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Work & Performance

Kiss up to someone

Flatter a powerful person to gain favor.

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Work & Performance

Know something inside and out

Understand something completely and in great detail.

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Decisions & Problem Solving

A last resort

The final option used only after better choices fail.

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Work & Performance

Leapfrog your competitors

Move ahead of competitors through a major improvement or innovation.

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Work & Performance

Push someone’s buttons

Trigger a predictable strong emotional reaction.

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Work & Performance

Put your mind to it

Focus your determination and effort on achieving something.

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Work & Performance

On your high horse

Acting morally superior or arrogantly critical.

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Work & Performance

A real dog

A product or project that performs very poorly.

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Work & Performance

On the make

Aggressively seeking personal success, money, or romantic opportunities.

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Work & Performance

Record-breaking

Better, larger, or faster than any previous recorded result.

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Work & Performance

On top of trends

Well informed about important current changes and developments.

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Work & Performance

Talk about…!

Used to strongly emphasize an extreme or striking example.

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Work & Performance

There’s something going around

An illness seems to be spreading among people nearby.

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Work & Performance

Make it up to you

Do something helpful to compensate for a mistake or disappointment.

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Work & Performance

Jump through hoops

Complete many difficult or unnecessary requirements to achieve something.

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Meetings & Communication

Move on

Stop focusing on the current matter and continue to the next stage or topic.

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Decisions & Problem Solving

Nothing ventured, nothing gained

Success is impossible without taking some risk or making an attempt.

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Work & Performance

On the right track

Following an approach that is likely to lead to a good result.

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Leadership & Teamwork

We’ve been down before, but we always come back fighting

We have recovered from setbacks before and will respond with determination again.

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From the RTB blog

Real English Conversations in First-Person Story

Explore RTB posts about conversation starters and real-life situations—and learn useful English along the way.

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Everyday English

RTB post

A Tuesday That Still Leaves Room for Real Life

A first-person story about an ordinary American weekday, with natural phrases for talking about routines that change from day to day.

Read the post
Everyday English

RTB post

What I Say When I Order Coffee

Break a café order into manageable choices: drink, size, temperature, extras, and payment.

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Everyday English

RTB post

The Online Order I’d Describe Carefully

Describe what you bought, where you found it, whether it felt like good value, and how you would recommend—or not recommend—it.

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Everyday English

RTB post

The Grocery Trip I Start Before I Leave Home

A practical first-person guide to planning a flexible grocery trip, comparing useful details, and making choices that fit your household.

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Everyday English

RTB post

My Airport Day Goes Better With a Little Margin

A grounded guide to planning airport transitions, keeping essentials accessible, and responding calmly when travel details change.

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Social English

RTB post

My First-Date Plan Leaves Room for Conversation

A first-person guide to choosing a simple date, sharing preferences, and leaving both people room to decide what feels comfortable.

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Social English

RTB post

How I Let a New Friendship Start Slowly

Use low-pressure conversation and realistic follow-through to make space for connection without treating friendship like a formula.

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Social English

RTB post

When I Shorten a Text—and When I Spell It Out

Understand common chat abbreviations and choose wording that fits the person, platform, and situation.

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Social English

RTB post

The Movie Night Plan I Keep Easy to Change

A practical guide to planning a shared movie outing around timing, preferences, access, and a simple backup plan.

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Social English

RTB post

The Potluck I Can Host Without Doing Everything

A first-person guide to sharing the work of a casual gathering, communicating food needs, and keeping serving plans practical.

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Professional English

RTB post

How I Help a Work Conversation Move Forward

Acknowledge an idea, create room to think, and agree on a useful follow-up with language you can adapt to your workplace.

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Professional English

RTB post

The Work Email I Re-Read Before Sending

Make the purpose easy to spot, match the tone to the relationship, and review every sentence before sending.

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Professional English

RTB post

The LinkedIn Profile I Want People to Understand

Help the right readers understand your real experience by using relevant terms naturally and describing evidence you can stand behind.

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Professional English

RTB post

The Work Meeting I Help Move Forward

A practical guide to arriving with one useful contribution, helping clarify decisions, and leaving with clear owners and next steps.

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Professional English

RTB post

The Feedback Conversation I Prepare For

A practical guide to making feedback specific, understanding expectations, and turning a work check-in into a useful next step.

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Community & Services · American English

Learn 10 Phrases Before Traveling to the USA

Ariannita la Gringa · 28 learning phrases

Watch and Learn

Follow Phrase Cards and Check Knowledge

Phrase 1

How much is it?

Ask for the price of something.

Phrase 2

Can you take a picture of me?

Politely ask someone to photograph you.

Phrase 3

Do you speak English?

Ask whether someone can communicate in English.

Quick check

What could you ask before paying for something?

Try: “Do you accept cash or card?”

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Start with what you want to do in English. Each path brings together situations, phrases, and lessons that fit your goal.

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Practice English one-on-one with a tutor. Choose a session length, explore available times, and bring a goal or question you want to work on.

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