Occupation idioms

1. **Bite the bullet:**
– **Origin:** This idiom is believed to have originated from the practice of having wounded soldiers bite on a bullet during surgery to endure the pain.
– **Meaning:** To face a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage and determination.
– **Example:** “She knew the presentation would be tough, but she decided to bite the bullet and give it her best.”

2. **Read between the lines:**
– **Origin:** The phrase comes from the idea of interpreting a deeper meaning from written or spoken words.
– **Meaning:** To understand or infer something that is not explicitly stated.
– **Example:** “His comments may seem innocent, but if you read between the lines, you’ll see he’s not happy with the decision.”

3. **Break a leg:**
– **Origin:** This phrase is commonly used in theater as a superstition; wishing someone good luck directly is considered bad luck.
– **Meaning:** To wish someone good luck or success.
– **Example:** “Break a leg on your audition tomorrow!”

4. **Burn the midnight oil:**
– **Origin:** Refers to working late into the night by using oil lamps before the invention of electric lighting.
– **Meaning:** To work late into the night or put in extra effort.
– **Example:** “To meet the deadline, she had to burn the midnight oil for several nights.”

5. **A penny for your thoughts:**
– **Origin:** This idiom dates back to medieval times when a penny was a significant sum of money.
– **Meaning:** To ask someone what they are thinking or to request their opinion.
– **Example:** “You seem lost in thought; a penny for your thoughts?”

6. **Hitting the nail on the head:**
– **Origin:** This phrase comes from carpentry, where hitting the nail directly on the head is precise and accurate.
– **Meaning:** To describe someone who is exactly right or accurate in their statement or action.
– **Example:** “Her analysis of the situation hit the nail on the head; it was spot on.”

7. **Climb the corporate ladder:**
– **Origin:** Refers to the hierarchical structure of organizations, where employees aim to advance to higher positions.
– **Meaning:** To advance in one’s career or move up in a company.
– **Example:** “He’s been working hard to climb the corporate ladder and hopes to become a manager soon.”

8. **Cut to the chase:**
– **Origin:** This phrase comes from early filmmaking, where directors would cut unnecessary scenes and get straight to the action.
– **Meaning:** To get to the main point or the most important part of a discussion or story.
– **Example:** “Let’s cut to the chase and talk about the key issues.”

9. **Keep your nose to the grindstone:**
– **Origin:** Refers to the practice of sharpening tools by grinding them against a stone, requiring constant attention and effort.
– **Meaning:** To work hard and diligently without distraction.
– **Example:** “If you want to succeed, you need to keep your nose to the grindstone.”

10. **Behind the eight ball:**
– **Origin:** This phrase comes from the game of pool (billiards), where the eight ball is a challenging ball to pot.
– **Meaning:** In a difficult or disadvantageous position.
– **Example:** “After missing the deadline, I found myself behind the eight ball at work.”

11. **Hit the ground running:**
– **Origin:** This idiom originates from military training, where soldiers are trained to start running immediately upon landing from a parachute jump.
– **Meaning:** To start a new job or project quickly and energetically.
– **Example:** “She joined the team and hit the ground running, making a positive impact from day one.”

12. **Get the ball rolling:**
– **Origin:** This phrase comes from starting a game or sport by rolling the ball into play.
– **Meaning:** To initiate an activity or process.
– **Example:** “Let’s get the ball rolling on the project by scheduling a kickoff meeting.”

13. **Throw in the towel:**
– **Origin:** From the sport of boxing, where a boxer’s coach may throw a towel into the ring to signal surrender or defeat.
– **Meaning:** To give up or admit defeat.
– **Example:** “After hours of negotiations, they finally threw in the towel and accepted our terms.”

14. **Paddle your own canoe:**
– **Origin:** A reference to self-sufficiency and independence when canoeing.
– **Meaning:** To take care of one’s own affairs and responsibilities.
– **Example:** “Now that you’re an adult, it’s time to paddle your own canoe and make your decisions.”

15. **Keep your eye on the ball:**
– **Origin:** Comes from various ball sports where players must focus on the ball to succeed.
– **Meaning:** To stay focused on a goal or task and not get distracted.
– **Example:** “To succeed in this project, you need to keep your eye on the ball and avoid unnecessary distractions.”

16. **Call it a day:**
– **Origin:** Originally used in the context of work, suggesting it’s time to finish the day’s tasks.
– **Meaning:** To decide to stop working or quit an activity.
– **Example:** “It’s getting late; let’s call it a day and continue tomorrow.”

17. **Get your ducks in a row:**
– **Origin:** An allusion to the need to have ducks in a row before a duck race.
– **Meaning:** To be well-organized and prepared.
– **Example:** “Before launching the product, we need to get our ducks in a row, including marketing and logistics.”

18. **Pass the buck:**
– **Origin:** From poker games, where a marker or “buck” was used to indicate the dealer; passing it meant passing the responsibility.
– **Meaning:** To transfer responsibility or blame to someone else.
– **Example:** “He always tries to pass the buck when things go wrong instead of taking responsibility.”

19. **Pull strings:**
– **Origin:** A reference to manipulating the strings of a puppet to control its actions.
– **Meaning:** To use influence or connections to achieve a desired outcome.
– **Example:** “She was able to pull some strings to get him an interview at the company.”

20. **Play your cards right:**
– **Origin:** Comes from card games where players must make strategic decisions to win.
– **Meaning:** To make wise decisions to achieve a favorable result.
– **Example:** “If you play your cards right, you might get that promotion you’ve been aiming for.”

21. **The ball is in your court:**
– **Origin:** A reference to tennis, indicating that it’s someone’s turn to take action.
– **Meaning:** The responsibility for making a decision or taking action rests with someone.
– **Example:** “I’ve done my part; now the ball is in your court to make the final decision.”

22. **Wear your heart on your sleeve:**
– **Origin:** This phrase comes from the custom of wearing one’s heart embroidered on their sleeve as a sign of romantic interest in medieval times.
– **Meaning:** To openly display one’s emotions or feelings.
– **Example:** “He’s not good at hiding his feelings; he wears his heart on his sleeve.”

23. **A penny saved is a penny earned:**
– **Origin:** Attributed to Benjamin Franklin, it emphasizes the importance of saving money.
– **Meaning:** Money saved is as valuable as money earned through work.
– **Example:** “I decided not to buy that expensive gadget because a penny saved is a penny earned.”

24. **Like a bull in a china shop:**
– **Origin:** An allusion to the potential destruction a bull would cause in a delicate china shop.
– **Meaning:** Describes someone who is clumsy or reckless in a situation requiring care.
– **Example:** “Be careful with those fragile vases; you’re like a bull in a china shop.”

25. **Burning the candle at both ends:**
– **Origin:** Refers to burning a candle from both ends to make it last a shorter time.
– **Meaning:** Working excessively or exhausting oneself by working long hours.
– **Example:** “She’s been burning the candle at both ends with her job and studies; she needs a break.”

26. **Rob Peter to pay Paul:**
– **Origin:** An allusion to shifting debts or resources from one place to another.
– **Meaning:** To take from one source to meet an immediate need, often creating a new problem.
– **Example:** “He had to rob Peter to pay Paul by borrowing money from one friend to pay off another.”

27. **Close but no cigar:**
– **Origin:** Thought to originate from carnival games where cigars were prizes for success.
– **Meaning:** Almost succeeding but falling short of the desired outcome.
– **Example:** “You were close, but no cigar. You just missed the first-place prize.”

28. **Keep your cards close to your chest:**
– **Origin:** Comes from card games where players keep their cards hidden to maintain a strategic advantage.
– **Meaning:** To keep one’s plans, intentions, or information secret.
– **Example:** “He’s known for keeping his cards close to his chest, so we’re not sure what he’s planning.”

29. **Don’t cry over spilled milk:**
– **Origin:** Encourages not dwelling on past mistakes or accidents, like crying over milk that has already been spilled.
– **Meaning:** To not waste time worrying about things that cannot be changed.
– **Example:** “I made a mistake, but there’s no use crying over spilled milk; I’ll learn from it and move on.”

30. **Put your money where your mouth is:**
– **Origin:** Suggests that actions should match one’s words, particularly in matters involving bets or challenges.
– **Meaning:** To back up what you say with action or financial commitment.
– **Example:** “If you think this idea will work, put your money where your mouth is and invest in it.”

31. **Don’t count your chickens before they hatch:**
– **Origin:** This idiom comes from the idea of farmers not counting their chickens as income until the eggs have hatched.
– **Meaning:** Don’t make plans or celebrate prematurely; wait until a situation is certain.
– **Example:** “I know you’re excited about the job offer, but don’t count your chickens before they hatch; you haven’t signed the contract yet.”

32. **Get the sack:**
– **Origin:** Historically, workers would carry their tools in a sack, and if they were dismissed, their tools would be put in the sack and handed to them.
– **Meaning:** To be fired or dismissed from a job.
– **Example:** “He got the sack for consistently arriving late to work.”

33. **Put all your eggs in one basket:**
– **Origin:** This phrase advises against putting all your resources or investments into one venture, as if all the eggs were in a single basket.
– **Meaning:** To risk everything on a single plan or course of action.
– **Example:** “Diversify your investments; don’t put all your eggs in one basket.”

34. **Play second fiddle:**
– **Origin:** In orchestras, the second violinist is considered subordinate to the first violinist.
– **Meaning:** To have a less important or secondary role in a situation.
– **Example:** “He was disappointed with his role in the project; he felt like he was playing second fiddle.”

35. **The devil is in the details:**
– **Origin:** This idiom emphasizes the importance of paying attention to the fine points or specifics.
– **Meaning:** The critical or challenging aspects of a task are often found in the details.
– **Example:** “When drafting a contract, remember that the devil is in the details, so be thorough.”

36. **Throw someone under the bus:**
– **Origin:** Suggests betraying or sacrificing someone else for personal gain or to avoid blame.
– **Meaning:** To betray or scapegoat a colleague or friend.
– **Example:** “He decided to throw his coworker under the bus to save his own reputation.”

37. **Fish out of water:**
– **Origin:** Describes someone who is uncomfortable or out of place in a particular environment, like a fish taken out of its natural habitat.
– **Meaning:** To feel awkward or out of one’s element.
– **Example:** “At the formal dinner, he felt like a fish out of water because he was used to casual gatherings.”

38. **Read the riot act:**
– **Origin:** Refers to a legal proclamation read by authorities to a crowd as a warning before taking action against them.
– **Meaning:** To give someone a stern warning or reprimand.
– **Example:** “The boss read the riot act to the team for not meeting their targets.”

39. **Bark up the wrong tree:**
– **Origin:** Coonhunting dogs would bark at the base of a tree where they mistakenly thought a raccoon was hiding.
– **Meaning:** To pursue the wrong course of action or make incorrect assumptions.
– **Example:** “You’re barking up the wrong tree if you think I’m the one who took your book; I haven’t seen it.”

40. **Toot your own horn:**
– **Origin:** Comes from the idea of trumpeters who would announce their own arrival by playing their own fanfare.
– **Meaning:** To boast or promote oneself.
– **Example:** “She’s always tooting her own horn about her achievements.”

41. **Donkey work:**
– **Origin:** Refers to the heavy, laborious work assigned to donkeys.
– **Meaning:** Tedious, repetitive, or unskilled labor.
– **Example:** “I spent the entire day doing donkey work, sorting through paperwork.”

42. **A square peg in a round hole:**
– **Origin:** A metaphor for something or someone that doesn’t fit or belong in a particular situation.
– **Meaning:** Someone who is ill-suited for a task or environment.
– **Example:** “He’s a creative thinker in a very structured job; he’s like a square peg in a round hole.”

43. **Bide your time:**
– **Origin:** Encourages patience, suggesting that waiting for the right moment is often better than rushing into action.
– **Meaning:** To wait patiently for the right opportunity or moment.
– **Example:** “She decided to bide her time and wait for the perfect job opportunity.”

44. **Keep your nose to the wind:**
– **Origin:** A nautical expression advising sailors to pay attention to the wind’s direction.
– **Meaning:** To stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
– **Example:** “In uncertain times, it’s essential to keep your nose to the wind and adapt quickly.”

45. **Knuckle down:**
– **Origin:** Suggests the act of getting down to work or concentrating intensely, often involving using one’s knuckles for support.
– **Meaning:** To focus and work diligently on a task.
– **Example:** “With exams approaching, she knew it was time to knuckle down and study.”

46. **Go the extra mile:**
– **Origin:** This phrase comes from the Bible (Matthew 5:41) and encourages doing more than is required.
– **Meaning:** To make additional effort beyond what is expected.
– **Example:** “He always goes the extra mile to provide exceptional customer service.”

47. **Be in the same boat:**
– **Origin:** Refers to people who are in a similar situation or facing the same challenges.
– **Meaning:** To be in a similar circumstance or situation as others.
– **Example:** “We’re all in the same boat when it comes to dealing with this difficult project.”

48. **Cut corners:**
– **Origin:** Comes from the practice of cutting the corners of a path to save time and effort.
– **Meaning:** To take shortcuts or use less effort than necessary to complete a task.
– **Example:** “He tried to cut corners to finish the project quickly, but it resulted in a lower-quality outcome.”

49. **Have a finger in the pie:**
– **Origin:** Refers to having involvement or influence in a particular situation or matter.
– **Meaning:** To be partially or secretly involved in something.
– **Example:** “She always seems to have a finger in the pie when it comes to office politics.”

50. **Rob the cradle:**
– **Origin:** Refers to a significant age difference in a romantic relationship, suggesting that one person is much younger.
– **Meaning:** To be in a romantic relationship with a much younger person.
– **Example:** “He’s 40, and she’s 20; some people say he’s robbing the cradle.”

51. **Have an axe to grind:**
– **Meaning:** To have a personal motive or agenda in a situation.
– **Example:** “He keeps criticizing the new policy because he has an axe to grind with the management.”

52. **Paint the town red:**
– **Meaning:** To go out and celebrate extravagantly.
– **Example:** “We’re going to paint the town red to celebrate our anniversary tonight!”

53. **A rolling stone gathers no moss:**
– **Meaning:** Someone who is always moving and changing is less likely to accumulate responsibilities or become stagnant.
– **Example:** “He’s a true nomad, and he believes that a rolling stone gathers no moss.”

54. **Don’t put all your eggs in one basket:**
– **Meaning:** To avoid risking everything on a single venture or investment.
– **Example:** “Diversify your investments; don’t put all your eggs in one basket.”

55. **The squeaky wheel gets the grease:**
– **Meaning:** Complaining or making noise about a problem is more likely to result in attention or action.
– **Example:** “If you want your issue resolved, be the squeaky wheel and speak up.”

56. **A penny for your thoughts:**
– **Meaning:** To ask someone what they are thinking or to request their opinion.
– **Example:** “You seem lost in thought; a penny for your thoughts?”

57. **Count your blessings:**
– **Meaning:** To focus on and appreciate the positive aspects of your life rather than dwelling on negatives.
– **Example:** “Even on tough days, it’s important to count your blessings and be grateful for what you have.”

58. **Learn the ropes:**
– **Meaning:** To become familiar with the basics or essentials of a new job or task.
– **Example:** “It took a while, but she’s finally learned the ropes of her new role.”

59. **Chew the fat:**
– **Meaning:** To have a casual and friendly conversation, often while socializing.
– **Example:** “We spent the evening chewing the fat and catching up on each other’s lives.”

60. **Read the room:**
– **Meaning:** To assess the mood and atmosphere of a situation or group.
– **Example:** “Before making any announcements, it’s important to read the room and gauge the team’s reaction.”

61. **Burn bridges:**
– **Meaning:** To damage relationships or sever ties with others, often irreparably.
– **Example:** “She decided to burn bridges with her former employer by making negative comments on social media.”

62. **Keep your ear to the ground:**
– **Meaning:** To stay informed and aware of what’s happening in a particular situation.
– **Example:** “In the world of finance, it’s crucial to keep your ear to the ground and stay updated on market trends.”

63. **Know the drill:**
– **Meaning:** To be familiar with a routine or procedure.
– **Example:** “Everyone here knows the drill when it comes to emergency evacuations.”

64. **Live from hand to mouth:**
– **Meaning:** To live with little financial security, spending income as soon as it is earned.
– **Example:** “With the rising cost of living, many people are struggling to make ends meet and are living from hand to mouth.”

65. **Hit the nail on the head:**
– **Meaning:** To describe someone who is exactly right or accurate in their statement or action.
– **Example:** “Her analysis of the situation hit the nail on the head; it was spot on.”

66. **A penny-wise and pound-foolish:**
– **Meaning:** To be careful with small expenses but wasteful with larger ones.
– **Example:** “He saves money by buying cheap products, but it’s a penny-wise and pound-foolish approach because they break quickly.”

67. **Climb the corporate ladder:**
– **Meaning:** To advance in one’s career or move up in a company.
– **Example:** “She’s been working hard to climb the corporate ladder and hopes to become a manager soon.”

68. **Cast in stone:**
– **Meaning:** To be permanent and unchangeable, like something carved in stone.
– **Example:** “The decision to move the headquarters was cast in stone; there’s no going back now.”

69. **Read the fine print:**
– **Meaning:** To carefully review the details and terms of a contract or agreement.
– **Example:** “Before signing the contract, make sure to read the fine print to avoid any surprises.”

70. **A square peg in a round hole:**
– **Meaning:** Someone who is ill-suited for a task or environment.
– **Example:** “He’s a creative thinker in a very structured job; he’s like a square peg in a round hole.”

71. **Pass the buck:**
– **Meaning:** To transfer responsibility or blame to someone else.
– **Example:** “He always tries to pass the buck when things go wrong instead of taking responsibility.”

72. **Roll with the punches:**
– **Meaning:** To adapt and cope with difficult or unexpected situations.
– **Example:** “In a constantly changing industry, you have to learn to roll with the punches.”

73. **Paddle your own canoe:**
– **Meaning:** To take care of one’s own affairs and responsibilities.
– **Example:** “Now that you’re an adult, it’s time to paddle your own canoe and make your decisions.”

74. **Keep your nose to the grindstone:**
– **Meaning:** To work hard and diligently without distraction.
– **Example:** “If you want to succeed, you need to keep your nose to the grindstone.”

75. **Wear your heart on your sleeve:**
– **Meaning:** To openly display one’s emotions or feelings.
– **Example:** “He’s not good at hiding his feelings; he wears his heart on his sleeve.”

76. **Call it a day:**
– **Meaning:** To decide to stop working or quit an activity.
– **Example:** “It’s getting late; let’s call it a day and continue tomorrow.”

77. **Get the ball rolling:**
– **Meaning:** To initiate an activity or process.
– **Example:** “Let’s get the ball rolling on the project by scheduling a kickoff meeting.”

78. **Throw in the towel:**
– **Meaning:** To give up or admit defeat.
– **Example:** “After hours of negotiations, they finally threw in the towel and accepted our terms.”

79. **Rob Peter to pay Paul:**
– **Meaning:** To take from one source to meet an immediate need, often creating a new problem.
– **Example:** “He had to rob Peter to pay Paul by borrowing money from one friend to pay off another.”

80. **Hit the ground running:**
– **Meaning:** To start a new task or endeavor quickly and effectively, without any delays or hesitation.
– **Example sentence:** After joining the new job, she hit the ground running by immediately taking charge of the project and making significant progress in the first week.