A
-l--h--t -n t-- -oo-
An obvious problem or issue that everyone avoids discussing.
Elephant in the room
B--k--g u- t-- w--n- --ee
To be mistaken about the cause of a problem or the person responsible.
Barking up the wrong tree
-o b--k -o s---r- o--
To return to the very beginning because a plan has failed.
Go back to square one
-a-e - r--n -h--k
To politely decline an offer or meeting now but suggest doing it later.
Take a rain check
--tt--- c--n--s
Doing something in the quickest or cheapest way, ignoring standards — usually to save time, effort, or money.
Cutting corners
T---w s--e--e --d-r t-- b--
To blame a colleague to protect yourself.
Throw someone under the bus
U- i- t-- -i-
Uncertain or not yet decided.
Up in the air
S-i- --u- -h-e-s
To work hard without making real progress.
Spin your wheels
O- t-- -ac- b--n--
Postponed or not currently a priority.
On the back burner
--y -n--r t-- -a-a-
To operate quietly or discreetly without attracting attention.
Fly under the radar
S--m -p--r-a-
To work against strong opposition or market trends.
Swim upstream
O--- - c-- o- -o--s
To start discussing something that will lead to many complicated or unpleasant issues.
Open a can of worms
--t t-- --ee- -i--t
To receive official permission to proceed.
Get the green light
-oi- t-- -c--n
To attempt an impossible or overly ambitious task that can’t be completed.
Boil the ocean
-ee- t-- -h--l- -n t-- -u-
To maintain stability and keep operations running smoothly.
Keep the wheels on the bus
N-- -n m- -h--l--u-e
Outside one’s area of expertise or responsibility.
Not in my wheelhouse
G-- -o-r -u-k- i- - r--
To organize everything carefully before taking action.
Get your ducks in a row
O- --e --s- t--c-
Progressing quickly, especially in one’s career.
On the fast track
R--h- --t o- t-- -a-e
Immediately, from the very beginning.
Right out of the gate
-u-- -h- e--e--p-
To go beyond normal limits and try something innovative.
Push the envelope
-ee- -he l----s -n
To maintain basic operations, especially during tough times.
Keep the lights on
--t --e -or-
To stop supporting something unprofitable or outdated.
Cut the cord
--e- y-u- -h--t -n
To stay calm and not get angry or impatient.
Keep your shirt on
-u-p t--o--h -oo--
To go through many difficult or unnecessary steps to achieve something.
Jump through hoops
P-- - --n -n i-
To pause a discussion temporarily and return to it later.
Put a pin in it