16 Must-Know English Idioms for the Workplace
Whether you’re preparing for a meeting, writing an email, or chatting with colleagues, using idioms can help you sound more natural and confident in English. These expressions are often used in professional settings and can give your communication a polished, native-like touch.
16 Workplace Idioms You Should Know
Today, we’ll explore sixteen idioms perfect for the workplace and some additional formal phrases to keep your professional conversations sharp. Plus, we’ll show examples for each idiom so you can start using them immediately!
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1) Think Outside the Box
Meaning: To approach a problem or task creatively.
Example 1: Let’s think outside the box for a solution to this issue.
Example 2: If we want to innovate, we need to think outside the box when marketing our product.
2) Hit the Ground Running
Meaning: To start something with energy and enthusiasm.
Example 1: I’m excited to hit the ground running on the new project.
Example 2: We’ve prepared everything, so let’s hit the ground running after the meeting.
3) Burning the Midnight Oil
Meaning: Working late into the night.
Example 1: I was burning the midnight oil finishing the client proposal.
Example 2: She’s been burning the midnight oil to meet the project deadline.
In the following video, we explore 10 common English idioms you can use at work, complete with examples to help you understand and apply them in your professional life—watch it below!
4) Call the Shots
Meaning: To be in charge or make decisions.
Example 1: Alex will call the shots in this meeting.
Example 2: As the project lead, you call the shots on the team’s direction.
5) Get the Ball Rolling
Meaning: To start an activity or process.
Example 1: Let’s get the ball rolling on the new campaign.
Example 2: It’s time to get the ball rolling on the budget review.
6) On the Same Page
Meaning: To have a shared understanding or agreement.
Example 1: Let’s ensure we’re on the same page about the project goals.
Example 2: Before approving the contract, we need to get on the same page regarding the terms.
7) Break the Ice
Meaning: To start a conversation in a relaxed and friendly way.
Example 1: I told a funny story to break the ice with my new team.
Example 2: At the training session, we played games to break the ice.
8) Up in the Air
Meaning: Something undecided or uncertain.
Example 1: The timeline for the project is still up in the air.
Example 2: Our travel plans are up in the air until we confirm the budget.
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9) Think on Your Feet
Meaning: To respond quickly and effectively.
Example 1: During the presentation, I had to think on my feet to answer a tough question.
Example 2: In customer service, you often need to think on your feet to resolve issues.
10) In the Loop
Meaning: To be informed or updated about something.
Example 1: Please keep me in the loop about the proposal’s progress.
Example 2: Are you in the loop about the upcoming policy changes?
11) Keep You Posted
Meaning: To update someone on progress or changes.
Example 1: I’ll keep you posted on the meeting results.
Example 2: Please keep me posted about your mother’s recovery.
12) Touch Base
Meaning: To briefly connect with someone for updates.
Example 1: Let’s touch base next week to finalize the contract details.
Example 2: I’ll touch base with the team to confirm the schedule.
13) Get in Touch
Meaning: To contact someone, especially after a while.
Example 1: I need to get in touch with my former manager for a reference.
Example 2: It’s been a while since we talked; let’s get in touch soon.
14) Follow Up
Meaning: To reconnect or ensure progress.
Example 1: I’ll follow up on the email to ensure you received all the documents.
Example 2: Can you follow up with the client about their feedback?
15) Touch On
Meaning: To briefly mention a topic.
Example 1: In today’s meeting, we’ll touch on resource allocation.
Example 2: Let me quickly touch on the challenges we faced this quarter.
16) Check In
Meaning: To see how someone or something is progressing.
Example 1: I’m checking in to see how your first week is going.
Example 2: Let’s check in tomorrow to discuss any updates on the project.
Practice Makes Perfect
Want to sound natural and confident at work? Mastering these idioms and phrases is a great start! Try using them in your next conversation, email, or meeting.
Which idiom or phrase is your favorite?
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