Work idioms (4)

Seal of approval

Definition:

An official endorsement or confirmation that something meets the necessary standards or requirements.(An official endorsement or confirmation that something meets the necessary standards or requirements.)

Examples:

1. The new product received the seal of approval from industry experts, ensuring its quality and reliability.
2. The chef’s restaurant earned the prestigious Michelin star, a seal of approval for culinary excellence.
3. The regulatory agency granted the medication a seal of approval, confirming its safety and efficacy.

Sharp practice

Definition:

Deceptive or unethical behavior, often in business dealings.(Deceptive or unethical behavior, often in business dealings.)

Examples:

1. The competitor engaged in sharp practice by spreading false rumors about their rival’s products.
2. The salesman used sharp practice by misleading customers about the benefits of the product.
3. The company was accused of sharp practice for manipulating financial statements to deceive investors.

Sign off

Definition:

To give official approval or authorization for something to proceed or be completed.(To give official approval or authorization for something to proceed or be completed.)

Examples:

1. The manager signed off on the budget for the upcoming project.
2. The editor signed off on the final version of the manuscript before it went to print.
3. The CEO signed off on the company’s annual report, ensuring its accuracy and compliance.

Step down

Definition:

To resign or voluntarily leave a position of authority or responsibility.(To resign or voluntarily leave a position of authority or responsibility.)

Examples:

1. After the controversy, the CEO decided to step down from their position.
2. The team captain, after a series of poor results, decided to step down from their leadership role.
3. The board member announced their intention to step down and focus on other endeavors.

Do sterling work

Definition:

To do excellent or outstanding work, often used to praise someone’s performance or achievements.(To do excellent or outstanding work, often used to praise someone’s performance or achievements.)

Examples:

1. The volunteers did sterling work in helping the community recover after the natural disaster.
2. The research team conducted sterling work in making groundbreaking discoveries in their field.
3. The salesperson’s efforts resulted in sterling work, exceeding their sales targets consistently.

Take on

Definition:

To accept or undertake a task, responsibility, or challenge.(To accept or undertake a task, responsibility, or challenge.)

Examples:

1. She decided to take on the project, despite knowing it would require a lot of time and effort.
2. The manager asked him to take on additional responsibilities to assist with the team’s workload.
3. The organization encouraged its employees to take on leadership roles and contribute to decision-making.

Take up:

Definition:

To start or begin a new activity, hobby, or pursuit.(To start or begin a new activity, hobby, or pursuit.)

Examples:

1. After retirement, she decided to take up painting as a creative outlet.
2. He took up jogging as a way to improve his fitness and overall health.
3. The child expressed interest in music and decided to take up playing the piano.

Talent pipeline

Definition:

A pool of potential candidates or individuals who possess the skills and qualifications needed for future roles within an organization.(A pool of potential candidates or individuals who possess the skills and qualifications needed for future roles within an organization.)

Examples:

1. The company invested in developing a talent pipeline by offering internships and training programs to attract young professionals.
2. The school established partnerships with local businesses to create a talent pipeline that would benefit both parties.
3. The organization focused on nurturing talent within its existing workforce to ensure a robust talent pipeline for future leadership positions.

Walk the plank

Definition:

To face a situation where failure or negative consequences are imminent, often used metaphorically to describe being in a precarious position.(To face a situation where failure or negative consequences are imminent, often used metaphorically to describe being in a precarious position.)

Examples:

1. The company’s financial instability left the employees feeling like they were walking the plank, uncertain of their future.
2. The politician made a controversial statement and felt like they were walking the plank, awaiting public backlash.
3. The project manager faced tight deadlines and limited resources, making them feel like they were walking the plank to deliver the project on time.

Working style

Definition:

The approach, methods, or habits that someone adopts when completing tasks or working on projects.(The approach, methods, or habits that someone adopts when completing tasks or working on projects.)

Examples:

1. The team members had different working styles, some preferring a structured approach, while others were more flexible.
2. The manager adapted their working style to accommodate the needs and preferences of their team members.
3. The company promoted a collaborative working style, encouraging employees to share ideas and work together on projects.