Expressions for Office Talk
Which expression can replace "postponed?"
I postponed doing this task
I put this task on the back burner
True or False? Pass the baton means to master a job completely.
False. means to delegate a tasks or responsibilities to someone else.
As the years passed, the details of the initial startup phase became a _______________.
a) trial and error
b) dead-end job
c) fading memory
d) Making a mistake
fading memory
What is the purpose of euphemisms?
Euphemisms are expressions intended to be less offensive, or disturbing than the words or phrases they replace.
I will "get back" to you, means?
To write to someone again with an answer. To respond later.
True or False: "Sink or swim" implies that one will fail or succeed without help.
True
I kept the potential risks in the __________ while planning the new project.
a) in the red
b) up in the air
c) back of my mind
back of my mind
Which euphemism describes this sentence?
I can't do anything about it. It's like wanting to help but being unable to because of some rule or restriction.
a) cushion the blow
b) sugar-coat something
c) hands are tied
c) hands are tied
Replace "quit" with an expression idiom.
I had to quit after numerous tries of trying to persuade my colleague to agree with my idea.
throw in the towel
True or False: "Burn into one’s memory" means to forget something very quickly.
False (It means to remember something very vividly.)
The police showed him a photo to try to ____________ about what had happened on the night of the robbery.
a) put two and two
b) jog his memory
c) bend over backwards
jog his memory
Give an example of a euphemism.
Diverse, Pass-away, Cooperate outplacing, sugarcoat, etc
Which idiom can we use to describe a worker who performs manual labor, a factory job, or any job that does not require wearing business attire.
Blue-Collar
True or False"Lead by the front" means to set an example by doing the same tasks expected of others.
True
After analyzing the sales data, I put ____________ and realized why our profits were declining.
a) two and two together
b) a obvious conclusion
c) a ball-park figure
d) To learn about agriculture
a) two and two together
Which euphemism describes this sentence?
Avoid getting to the point. It's like when someone talks and talks without really saying what's on their mind.
a) swapped with something
b) beat around the bush
c) a long shot
beat around the bush
Which idiom refers to the informal, polite, light conversations people have when they don't know each other well (or at all).
Small Talk
True or False: "Head hunt" means to avoid recruiting someone for a job.
False (It means to actively recruit someone for a job.)
Our project manager has a _________ and can recall details from years ago.
a) fantastic memory
b) to touch base
c) memory like an elephant
c) memory like an elephant
Which euphemism describes this sentence?
Don’t take something too seriously. It's like hearing a rumor and thinking, "That might not be entirely true."
a) take it with a grain of salt
b) don't pay mind to it
c) laugh it off
take it with a grain of salt