This is lesson 34 from Idiom Part 3. 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 Idiom Part 3- Lesson 34- Idioms about Work
1- Have/get your work cut out = To have a very difficult or challenging task ahead.
You’ll have your work cut out if you plan to finish that report by tonight.
2- Everything went like clockwork = Everything happened smoothly and according to plan.
The event was perfectly organized; everything went like clockwork.
3- A mountain of work = A large amount of work.
I’ve got a mountain of work to finish before the deadline.
4- Work (your) way to the top = To achieve a high position by working hard over time.
She started in the mailroom and worked her way to the top.
5- Work at a steady pace = Progressing consistently and without rush.
He’s working at a steady pace and should be done by noon.
6- I can’t face work = Feeling unable to go to work or deal with work.
I’m so exhausted, I can’t face work today.
7- Up to your ears = Extremely busy or overwhelmed.
I’m up to my ears in paperwork this week.
8- It’s been dead all day = There’s been no activity or business.
The café’s been quiet, it’s been dead all day.
9- I’m tied = I’m busy and unavailable
Sorry, I can’t take any calls now I’m tied up till after lunch.
10- On the go = Been very busy and active
I need a break, I’ve been on the go all day.
11- Fit (you) in on= I have time available to schedule (with you)
I’m fully booked tomorrow, but I can fit you in on Thursday.
12- One thing after another = A series of problems, things or busy events happening continuously.
From broken printers to urgent emails, it’s been one thing after another.
13- Rushed off (our) feet! = Extremely busy, with no time to rest.
The store was so crowded, we’ve been rushed off our feet!
14- Make a name for yourself = To become well-known or famous for something.
She worked hard to make a name for herself in the fashion industry.
15- Climb the career ladder = To advance or get promoted in your job or career.
He is determined to climb the career ladder and become a manager one day.
16- Take on staff = To hire or employ new workers.
The company plans to take on staff to handle the increased workload.
17- Rock the boat = To cause trouble or disrupt a stable situation.
I didn’t want to rock the boat by disagreeing with the boss in the meeting.
18- Show someone the ropes = To teach someone how to do a job or task.
When I started the new job, my manager showed me the ropes.
19- Learn the ropes = To learn how to do a particular job or activity.
It took me a few weeks to learn the ropes at my new workplace.
20- Can’t stand the pace = Unable to keep up with the speed or intensity of work or life.
After a few months, he realized he couldn’t stand the pace of the high-pressure job.
21- Hold a job down = To keep a job for a period of time.
It’s not easy to hold a job down when you’re still learning new skills.
22- Find (your) feet = To become comfortable and confident in a new situation.
It took me some time to find my feet when I started university.
23- Go over someone’s head = To bypass someone in authority or ignore their role.
She was upset that her boss went over her head to the director without telling her.
24- Land a job = To successfully get a job.
After many interviews, he finally landed a job at the tech company.
25- Stand in for somebody = To temporarily take someone else’s place or job.
I had to stand in for my colleague while she was on vacation.
26- In the pipeline = Something that is being planned or developed but not yet completed.
We have several new projects in the pipeline for next year.
Next English Idiom Lesson
In our next English idiom lesson, we cover below:
Related Idioms
Here is the list of idioms related to this lesson.
Idiom Part 3 Outline
If you wish to explore all lessons that are covered in HiCafe Idiom Part 3, you can visit the Essential and Popular English idioms- Part 3 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.
