What’s on tap for you this week?
Today, Michelle and Aubrey are answering a listener question about a phrase that comes up all the time in casual workplace conversations.
You’ll learn phrases and tips that will help you connect about upcoming plans.
What’s on tap at work?
Today’s episode is inspired by a listener’s message and question:
Hi All Ears English Team, I am Sophia. I love your podcasts! In the Business English episode from Feb. 24, 2026, you said, ‘Good, what is on tap for today’s episode?’ I wasn’t sure what ‘on tap’ meant and was curious when it’s natural to use it in everyday English. Listening to your podcasts has really helped me improve a lot. I especially love the rhythm and the roleplay parts—they make learning so fun. Thank you so much for all your effort!
Best, Sophia
The phrase “on tap” means something is planned or expected to happen soon.
It originally comes from bars and pubs, where drinks like beer are served directly from a tap and are ready at any moment.
In business English, the meaning is similar to talking about something that is ready to happen or is coming up soon.
This is an informal expression, making it perfect for conversations with coworkers or during team meetings.
However, it’s generally too casual for formal reports or official emails.
Ways to talk about upcoming plans
In the business world, you need the right vocabulary to be able to express yourself.
This isn’t just for meetings and presentations, but also situations that help you connect with your colleagues.
A common conversation starter is talking about upcoming plans.
Today you’ll learn common expressions you can use when talking about work schedules, strategy collaborations and any upcoming plans at work.
#1: On tap
This phrase is perfect for describing tasks or events that are already organized and set to occur shortly.
Examples:
- What’s on tap for our agenda today?
- We’ve got a staff sync and a pitch to the client on tap for later.
- What’s on tap for the upcoming quarter?
- There are two product launches ready to go.
#2: Coming up
Use this to indicate that an event is approaching or is the next item on your itinerary.
Examples:
- What is coming up once the presentation concludes?
- We have a meeting coming up with the client.
- A major product release is coming up in the next month.
#3: In the works
This expression signifies that something is currently in the development or planning stages.
Examples:
- Are any fresh marketing concepts being in the words?
- A brand-new campaign is in the works right now.
- We actually have several potential partnerships currently in the works.
#4: On deck
This suggests that a person or project is next in line to start immediately.
Examples:
- The director of marketing is on deck to speak next.
- What is the priority project on deck for the coming week?
- The website overhaul is on deck.
#5: In the pipeline
Reference this when talking about initiatives that are being processed for future realization.
Examples:
- Do we have new product launches in the pipeline?
- We have a pair of new offerings in the pipeline.
- There are various enhancements in the pipeline designed to address existing glitches.
Roleplay
Take a look at how Aubrey and Lindsay utilize these terms during a typical meeting at the office.
They are playing the roles of coworkers kicking off their weekly check-in session.
Aubrey: Hi Lindsay, what’s on tap for the group this week?
Lindsay: To start, the quarterly review is coming up tomorrow morning.
Aubrey: That’s right. I’m keen to see where we stand. Are there any fresh initiatives in the works?
Lindsay: We do have a marketing push in the works, but I will provide the full details tomorrow.
Aubrey: Sounds good. And what project is on deck after we finish that?
Lindsay: We will move on to the website redesign we previously touched upon.
Aubrey: Excellent. It seems like quite a bit is in the pipeline for this month.
Lindsay: No doubt! It is going to be a very productive stretch.
Takeaway
Mastering the ability to discuss upcoming schedules with natural, casual language is essential for professional success.
Whether you say things are on tap, coming up, in the works, on deck, or in the pipeline, using these idioms will make you sound more polished and self-assured in your daily business interactions.
For more essential workplace vocabulary, check out BE 601: To Cap It All Off: How to Talk About Stressful Situations at Work.
What is on tap for your professional life this week?
Share your thoughts in the comments!
