Idioms
What does "break the ice" mean?
To start a conversation and make people feel comfortable.
What does "piece of cake" mean?
Something very easy.
A coworker helps you. What do you say?
Thank you / I appreciate it
Name one safe topic for small talk.
Weather/weekend/hobbies/food/travel
You arrive late to work.
Sorry I’m late
What does "hit the books" mean?
To start studying.
What does "once in a blue moon" mean?
Something that happens very rarely.
You didn’t hear someone clearly.
Could you repeat that? / Sorry, I didn’t catch that.
Ask a coworker about their weekend.
Weather / weekend / hobbies / food / travel
You need help at work.
Could you help me with this?
What does "spill the beans" mean?
To reveal a secret.
What does "under the weather" mean?
Feeling sick or not well.
You meet a coworker for the first time.
Nice to meet you
Ask someone where they work.
Where do you work?
A coworker explains something clearly.
Thank you, that helps / That makes sense
What does "on the same page" mean?
To agree or understand something in the same way.
What does "call it a day" mean?
Stop working for the day.
Someone gives you information.
That makes sense / I understand
What topic should you avoid in workplace small talk?
Politics / religion / salary / personal income
You want someone to repeat something.
Could you say that again?
Use "break the ice" in a sentence.
The teacher told a joke to break the ice.
Use piece of cake in a sentence.
The exam was a piece of cake.
Give two polite ways to ask for help.
Could you help me? / Would you mind helping me? / Can you help me, please?
Start a short, small-talk conversation.
Example: “Hi! How’s your day going?”
Apologize for a mistake at work.
I’m sorry about that mistake / I apologize for the error