25 Workplace Phrases

About to start your first job? Here are some often-said phrases that you will want to know before your first day.



Travis Bradberry wrote an article listing these 25 phrases as "ridiculous," but you really will hear them used often. They are useful as well, so don't be deceived by his article title, but use them with care.

We have provided the phrases with what they actually mean.

1. At the end of the day -- Ultimately
2. Back to the drawing board -- Let's start over/with a new idea
3. Hit the ground running -- Get off to a quick start
4. Get the ball rolling -- Make a start/initial progress
5. Low-hanging fruit -- Focus on what is easily attainable first
6. Throw under the bus -- Sacrifice someone usually for selfish reasons
7. Think outside the box -- Approach the problem creatively
8. Let's touch base -- Let's set up an informal meeting when we both have time
9. Get my manager's blessing -- I'm not sure if I can do this, but I'll ask my boss
10. It's on my radar -- I know about it, but I either don't have time or don't care too much
11. Ping me -- Contact me through instant messenger/quick email
12. I don't have the bandwidth -- I'm too busy with assignments right now
13. No brainer -- Obvious thing to do
14. Par for the course -- Normal, average, every-day occurrence
15. Bang for your buck -- A good value
16. Synergy -- Everything running smoothly between individuals/organizations, sum > parts
17. Move the goal post -- To change the rules of a situation, usually in an unfair manner
18. Apples to apples -- To come to a common agreement/understanding
19. Win-win -- Both parties are happy with the outcome
20. Circle back around -- Let's discuss this at a later point
21. All hands on deck -- We need to have everyone pitch in and contribute
22. Take this offline -- We are in a group and need to need to discuss later in private
23. Drill-down -- Find where the real issue lies
24. Elephant in the room -- Something that everyone knows needs to be discussed, but nobody wants to
25. On my plate -- What you need to get done/your current assignments

Hope you find this list useful. Let us know if you know any more good phrases in the comments section!