Common English Idioms Part 1- Lesson 8: English Phrases Used in Office
This is lesson 8 from Idiom Part 1. Each idiom is followed by its definition and examples. After you learn them, you can use them in your daily conversation.
Previous English Idiom Lesson
In our previous English idiom lesson, we cover below:
English Idioms and Phrases for Workplace
1- To be given or get marching orders= To ask someone to leave their job
He got his marching orders when he turned up late three days in a row..
2- Get caught in the crossfire= To get caught in an argument
I decided to leave the room as I didn’t want to get caught in the crossfire.
3- Set your sights on= To decide on what you want to do
Gill is very ambitious. She’s set her sights on running her own company by the time she’s 30.
4- Keep your head down= Do or say little to avoid arguments or problems
Everything’s gone wrong. If I were you, I’d keep my head down for a while until things get better. .
5- Hold the fort= To be left in charge of place or situation while someone is away
She asked me to hold the fort till she gets back.
6- Stick to your guns= Remain in your firm conviction or stand up for your right
I think you should stick to your guns. Don’t give in.
7- Have a shot at sth= trying to do sth for the first time
I’ll have a shot at writing the report, but I’m not promising anything!
8- Call the shots= To decide what to do or what is to be done
Sarah and Ewan are business partners, but she’s the one who calls the shots
9- To go great guns= To be very successful
Our new product range is going great guns!
10- Second in command= Someone who is second in rank to the leader of a group
You’ve met Pete before, haven’t you? He’s my second in command.
11- Back to one’s post= to go back to work
Lunch can’t go on forever! Come on, everyone, back to our posts.
12- To step out of line= To do sth wrong
Working for my father is worse than I thought! If I step out of line, he’s tougher on me than anyone else.
Next English Idiom Lesson
In our next English idiom lesson, we cover below:
Competition Idioms and Phrases
Related Idioms
Here is the list of idioms related to this lesson.
Idiom Part 1 Outline
If you wish to explore all lessons that are covered in HiCafe Idiom Part 1, you can visit the Most Common English Idioms- Part 1 page.
English Fluency Resources
If you like to read all of lessons related to English expressions, phrases, idioms, proverbs, slang and words, you can visit our Improve English Fluency page.
