Let’s TOUCH BASE! 15 English idioms to use at work

Summary

In this engaging lesson, Emma from mmmEnglish explores essential business idioms that enhance workplace communication. She introduces phrases like 'get your foot in the door,' 'show someone the ropes,' and 'cut to the chase,' explaining their meanings and providing relatable examples. The lesson emphasizes the importance of these idioms for expressing ideas clearly and professionally while navigating various work situations. Emma encourages viewers to apply these idioms to their experiences, making them more effective communicators in English. This interactive approach not only aids learning but also fosters a deeper understanding of workplace dynamics.

Takeaways

• 😀 Understanding idioms is crucial for effective workplace communication and professionalism.
• 🎯 "Get your foot in the door" refers to starting at a lower level in an organization with hopes of advancing.
• 🛠️ To "show someone the ropes" means teaching them how to perform a job or task.
• 🌊 Being "thrown in the deep end" indicates being placed in a challenging situation without preparation.
• 📈 A "steep learning curve" describes a rapid learning process that can be difficult.
• 📜 Doing something "by the book" means following the rules and procedures exactly.
• ✂️ To "cut corners" means to complete tasks in a quicker, easier way, potentially sacrificing quality.
• 🧗‍♂️ Having your "work cut out for you" means facing a challenging workload with tight deadlines.
• 💨 To "make light work of something" signifies completing a task quickly and effortlessly.
• 🤝 "Touching base with somebody" means checking in briefly to discuss updates or progress.
• ✉️ To "cut to the chase" means to get directly to the important part of a conversation without unnecessary details.
• 🤐 "Biting your tongue" refers to refraining from saying something potentially controversial or inappropriate.
• 🚤 "Rocking the boat" implies causing disruption or trouble in a situation.
• 🔥 "Putting out fires" involves dealing with problems created by others, often in stressful circumstances.
• ⚠️ Being "in hot water" means being in trouble or facing criticism due to one's actions.
• 🏠 To "call it a day" indicates deciding to stop working for the day.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of learning business English idioms?

The main purpose of learning business English idioms is to enhance communication skills in the workplace, allowing individuals to express their ideas more intelligently, professionally, and even humorously.

What does the idiom 'get your foot in the door' mean?

'Get your foot in the door' means to enter an organization or industry for the first time, often starting at a lower level with the intention of advancing within the company.

Can you give an example of how 'show someone the ropes' is used?

An example of using 'show someone the ropes' is when a colleague teaches a new employee how to perform their job duties effectively.

What does it mean to be 'thrown in the deep end'?

Being 'thrown in the deep end' means being put into a challenging situation without adequate preparation or guidance, forcing one to learn and adapt quickly.

How is 'steep learning curve' described in the context of a new job?

'Steep learning curve' describes the difficulty of learning new skills quickly in a new job, especially when prior experience is lacking.

What are the differences between doing something 'by the book' and 'cutting corners'?

Doing something 'by the book' means following all rules and procedures precisely, while 'cutting corners' refers to completing a task in a quicker, easier, and often less thorough manner, which may compromise quality.

What does the idiom 'have your work cut out for you' signify?

'Have your work cut out for you' signifies facing a challenging task with a lot of work to do within a limited timeframe.

How can 'make light work of something' be applied in a professional context?

'Make light work of something' can be applied in a professional context when someone completes a task quickly and easily, indicating efficiency and skill.

What does 'cut to the chase' mean in communication?

'Cut to the chase' means to skip the unnecessary details and focus on the most important aspects of a conversation.

Why might someone need to 'bite their tongue' at work?

Someone might need to 'bite their tongue' at work to avoid saying something inappropriate or critical, especially when it may not be the right time or place for such comments.

What does it mean to 'rock the boat'?

'Rock the boat' means to cause disruption or trouble in a stable situation, often referring to bringing up issues that may upset the current environment.

How is the idiom 'putting out fires' relevant to workplace challenges?

'Putting out fires' is relevant to workplace challenges as it describes the act of dealing with unexpected problems or emergencies that arise, often requiring immediate attention.

What does being 'in hot water' imply about someone's situation?

Being 'in hot water' implies that someone is in trouble or facing criticism due to their actions or decisions.

What does 'call it a day' indicate in a work context?

'Call it a day' indicates the end of the workday or the conclusion of a specific task, suggesting that it’s time to stop working.