Work Idioms (3)

Lay off

Definition:

To terminate or dismiss employees, often due to financial constraints, organizational changes, or downsizing.(To terminate or dismiss employees, often due to financial constraints, organizational changes, or downsizing.)

Examples:

1. The company had to lay off several employees to cut costs and stay afloat during the economic downturn.
2. After the merger, the organization laid off redundant staff members to streamline operations.
3. The factory experienced a decline in demand, resulting in the need to lay off workers and reduce production capacity.

Let someone go

Definition:

To terminate or release someone from their employment or position.(To terminate or release someone from their employment or position.)

Examples:

1. The manager had to let go of the underperforming employee after multiple warnings and performance improvement plans.
2. The company let go of several contractors when the project was completed and no longer required their services.
3. Due to budget cuts, the university had to let go of some adjunct professors.

Make the grade

Definition:

To meet the expected standards or achieve a satisfactory level of performance or quality.(To meet the expected standards or achieve a satisfactory level of performance or quality.)

Examples:

1. She studied diligently to make the grade and pass her final exams with flying colors.
2. The project team worked tirelessly to ensure their deliverables made the grade and met the client’s expectations.
3. The athlete trained rigorously to make the grade and qualify for the national team.

Make your mark

Definition:

To leave a lasting impression or have a significant impact on something or someone.(To leave a lasting impression or have a significant impact on something or someone.)

Examples:

1. The artist’s unique style made their mark in the art world and gained recognition from critics and collectors.
2. The CEO made their mark on the company by implementing innovative strategies and achieving substantial growth.
3. The community organizer made their mark by improving living conditions and advocating for social change.

Marching orders

Definition:

Instructions or commands given to someone, typically to leave or to cease employment.(Instructions or commands given to someone, typically to leave or to cease employment.)

Examples:

1. After the poor performance review, he was given his marching orders and asked to leave the company.
2. The coach gave the team their marching orders to give their best effort in the upcoming match.
3. The employee received his marching orders after being caught stealing from the company.

New broom

Definition:

A new person in a position of authority who is expected to make significant changes or improvements.(A new person in a position of authority who is expected to make significant changes or improvements.)

Examples:

1. The new CEO came in as a new broom and implemented sweeping changes to improve the company’s efficiency.
2. The principal wanted to bring about change, so she appointed a new broom to head the curriculum development team.
3. The team needed a fresh perspective, so they brought in a new broom to lead the project.

On the line

Definition:

In a situation where one’s job, reputation, or success is at risk.(In a situation where one’s job, reputation, or success is at risk.)

Examples:

1. The salesperson’s performance was not meeting targets, and their job was on the line.
2. The athlete’s poor performance put their position on the team on the line.
3. The manager’s decision to cut costs put the company’s reputation on the line.

On the scrapheap:

Definition:

No longer useful, valuable, or relevant, often referring to a person who has been discarded or made redundant.(No longer useful, valuable, or relevant, often referring to a person who has been discarded or made redundant.)

Examples:

1. After the company downsized, many employees found themselves on the scrapheap, searching for new job opportunities.
2. The technology quickly became outdated and ended up on the scrapheap, replaced by newer and more advanced models.
3. The former celebrity’s career was on the scrapheap after their controversial remarks led to public backlash.

Not up to scratch

Definition:

Not meeting the expected standards or requirements, falling short of expectations.(Not meeting the expected standards or requirements, falling short of expectations.)

Examples:

1. The report he submitted was not up to scratch and lacked the necessary research and analysis.
2. The candidate’s qualifications were not up to scratch for the position they applied for.
3. The quality of the product was not up to scratch, resulting in customer complaints and returns.

Poach:

Definition:

To recruit or hire someone who is currently employed by another company, often enticing them with better offers or incentives.(To recruit or hire someone who is currently employed by another company, often enticing them with better offers or incentives.)

Examples:

1. The rival company poached their top salesperson by offering a higher salary and better benefits.
2. The tech startup poached skilled engineers from established companies to strengthen their development team.
3. The sports team poached a talented player from their competitor to strengthen their roster.