You should use idioms at work to sound native and natural.
Idioms aren’t just for daily conversations.
They’re also a great way to connect with coworkers.
Listen in today to find out how to use idioms to connect at work.
Stress at work
Aubrey asks Lindsay if she is under water at work.
Lindsay responds that she is always drowning with a lot of things to do for the business.
Aside from work, she has a run club and hangs out with friends.
She tries to have work-life balance.
Two idioms, ‘under water’ and ‘drowning’ are often used at work to describe stress.
Lindsay adds that at work, there will be formal, semi-formal, and informal vocabulary to be able to connect.
Use idioms at work!
Idioms can definitely be used in the workplace to describe your workload.
You shouldn’t always be formal and robotic with coworkers.
It’s important to interact as a human being, especially when you’re talking outside work hours.
Today’s episode is inspired by a listener’s question.
Today’s question
Hello there,
I agree with you that real English is the key using idioms, slangs, speaking with confidence.
My question is what about business language. Is it also based on idioms and slang, or is there something different?
Thanks,
Mohamed
Idioms at work
You should definitely use idioms at work.
Idioms are used in casual conversations, meetings, presentations, and interactions around the office.
This is real English and this is what helps you connect with work colleagues.
In fact, many idioms are used almost exclusively in business English.
These would not be used often in daily conversations with friends or family.
Here are some examples of idioms used mostly at work:
- Moving the needle
- Getting the ball rolling
Idioms to avoid at work
There are also idioms you shouldn’t use at work.
You can check out a recent All Ears English episode about offensive idioms to avoid.
This episode was BE 78: 4 Offensive Business English Phrases to Avoid.
Lindsay and Aubrey also shared idioms that are outdated and shouldn’t be used in the U.S.
You can also check out episode BE 292: Are You Boiling the Ocean?
Some examples of these idioms to avoid are:
- Boiling the ocean
- A quick flag
- Herding cats
- Singing from the same hymn sheet
This Business English podcast is the best place to find out which idioms to use.
We also teach how formal idioms are so you know when to use them.
Roleplay
Here is a roleplay using the phrases and idioms shared in today’s episode.
This will help you better understand how to use these idioms in your workplace.
This will create a good impression and stronger connection with your work colleagues.
In this scenario, Aubrey and Lindsay run into each other in the hall on the way to a meeting.
Lindsay: I’m really drowning today!
Aubrey: Me too! I can’t keep my head above water!
Lindsay: I might have to start cutting corners on this project.
Aubrey: Probably a good idea. If not, you won’t be able to move the needle fast enough. Let me know if I can lend a hand.
Takeaway
Using idiomatic language is a great way to connect both in our daily lives and at work.
You do need to avoid some idioms and know how formal each one is.
Following The Business English Podcast is the best way to get more information on how to better interact in the workplace.
Make your conversations more vibrant and interactive with the use of idioms and high-level vocabulary.
Use this vocabulary to sound more natural in English.
What idioms are you ready to use at work?
Share how you’ll use them in the comment section below.
