Do you ever wonder what English idioms you can use

​to describe things, events and behaviours in the workplace?

​Introduction

​What is an Idiom?

An idiom is a group of words in a fixed order that has a particular meaning that is different from the meanings of each word on its own.

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For example: "​I have bitten off more than I can chew" - you have tried to do something that is too difficult for you.

R

Meaning - To develop basic skills ​or qualities to do a particular job or task and to acquire expert knowledge in it.

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Example - ​It will take Sarah at least 3 months to learn the ropes, but I am sure you will be happy with her performance.

​Learn The Ropes

​Meaning - It is a layoff notice that indicates that you have lost your job.

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Example - ​After teaching for 5 years at Chelsea High School, T'keyah got a pink slip last Wednesday.

Pink Slip

R

Meaning - ​Unemployed or to have NO job.

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Example - ​My sister has been out of work since December. I hope she finds a job soon!

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​Out of Work

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R

​Meaning - an invisible barrier that prevents people, mainly women and minorities, from being promoted.

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Example - ​Camila knew she would never become a manager at her job because she would not be able to get through the glass ceiling.

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​Glass Ceiling

R

​Meaning - A lot of customers are buying the product. Or, in other words the product is selling quickly.

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Example - ​The new jeans at Forever 21 are selling like hotcakes. The store will need to order more to keep up with demand!

​Selling Like Hotcakes

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R

​Meaning - you know something immediately without needing to look for the information in books or on the internet.

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Example - ​I can't remember her name off the top of my head, but I can ask her best friend as she is in my class.

​Off the Top of One's Head

R

​Meaning - a job which does not offer any chance of promotion or advancement.

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Example - ​Despite have a degree in Spanish, Sharlene got stuck in a dead-end job an an Insurance Company.

​Dead-End Job

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R

​Meaning - it is used to describe a job that begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m. and it is usually from Monday to Friday. It also implies that you have a stable job in an office.

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Example - ​If you are looking for a 9-5, a government job would be the best thing for you.

​Nine to Five/ 9-5

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R

Meaning - ​a work shift usually beginning at about midnight and continuing for about eight hours until the early morning hours.

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Example - My grandmother works at a hotel and because of that she works the graveyard shift, she starts at 8 p.m. and finishes at 5 a.m. ​

​Graveyard Shift

​Meaning - is a result or agreement that is that is good for everyone that is involved.

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Example - ​Flexible working hours are a win-win situation for employers and employees. Or, allowing people to work from home has proved to be a win-win situation.

​A Win-Win Situation