Have something up your sleeve
Definition:
To have a secret plan, strategy, or advantage that is not yet revealed to others.(To have a secret plan, strategy, or advantage that is not yet revealed to others.)
Examples:
The negotiator always had something up their sleeve during contract discussions, surprising the other party with advantageous terms.
The magician had a trick up their sleeve that amazed the audience during the performance.
The team had a new marketing campaign up their sleeve to boost sales and outperform competitors.
Heads will roll
Definition:
A warning or prediction that people will be held accountable or face severe consequences for their actions or failures.(A warning or prediction that people will be held accountable or face severe consequences for their actions or failures.)
Examples:
After the major security breach, heads will roll, and the responsible individuals will be terminated.
The project was delayed multiple times, and heads will roll if it’s not delivered on schedule.
The company experienced a significant financial loss, and heads will roll as management investigates the cause.
Hit the ground running
Definition:
To start a new project, task, or job energetically and with full effort, immediately achieving progress or success.(To start a new project, task, or job energetically and with full effort, immediately achieving progress or success.)
Examples:
The new employee hit the ground running, quickly learning the ropes and making valuable contributions to the team.
After winning the contract, the construction company hit the ground running by mobilizing resources and initiating work without delay.
The startup secured funding and hit the ground running, launching their product and acquiring customers swiftly.
In line for
Definition:
Likely to receive or be considered for something, often a promotion, award, or opportunity.(Likely to receive or be considered for something, often a promotion, award, or opportunity.)
Examples:
He had been performing exceptionally well and was in line for a promotion to a managerial position.
The talented musician was in line for a record deal after impressing industry professionals with their performances.
The employee with the most sales was in line for the “Employee of the Month” award.
In over your head
Definition:
To be involved in or faced with a situation that is too challenging, complex, or difficult to handle.(To be involved in or faced with a situation that is too challenging, complex, or difficult to handle.)
Examples:
The new manager was inexperienced and quickly realized they were in over their head when confronted with complex operational issues.
He volunteered to lead a high-profile project but soon found himself in over his head due to the demanding workload and tight deadlines.
The entrepreneur expanded the business too quickly and found themselves in over their head with financial obligations and operational issues.
In someone’s good books/bad books
Definition:
To be in someone’s favor or disfavor based on their opinion or perception of you.(To be in someone’s favor or disfavor based on their opinion or perception of you.)
Examples:
After completing the project ahead of schedule, she was in her boss’s good books and earned praise and recognition.
The employee constantly arrived late and missed deadlines, putting themselves in the bad books of their supervisor.
The team consistently delivered high-quality work and was in the good books of the client, resulting in additional projects.
In the firing line
Definition:
In a position where one is vulnerable to criticism, blame, or potential negative consequences.(In a position where one is vulnerable to criticism, blame, or potential negative consequences.)
Examples:
The spokesperson was in the firing line during the press conference, facing tough questions from journalists.
After the financial scandal, the CEO and top executives were in the firing line and faced public scrutiny.
The project manager was in the firing line for the project’s delays and cost overruns, receiving criticism from stakeholders.
In the running (for a job)
Definition:
Being considered as a candidate or contender for a particular job or position.(Being considered as a candidate or contender for a particular job or position.)
Examples:
Several qualified candidates were in the running for the position of department manager.
After multiple rounds of interviews, she was informed that she was still in the running for the coveted internship.
The company received numerous applications, but only a few candidates were in the running for the senior executive role.
Jump ship
Definition:
To leave or abandon one’s current job, project, or organization, often to pursue a better opportunity elsewhere.(To leave or abandon one’s current job, project, or organization, often to pursue a better opportunity elsewhere.)
Examples:
Many employees jumped ship when they learned about the impending company layoffs.
He decided to jump ship and join a competitor company that offered higher pay and better benefits.
The project team faced multiple challenges, and several members jumped ship, leaving the project in disarray.
Keep a low profile/keep your head down
Definition:
To maintain a low level of visibility or avoid drawing attention to oneself, often to avoid trouble or conflict.(To maintain a low level of visibility or avoid drawing attention to oneself, often to avoid trouble or conflict.)
Examples:
After the controversy, the celebrity decided to keep a low profile and stay out of the public eye for a while.
He kept his head down and focused on his work to avoid office politics and unnecessary conflicts.
The whistleblower chose to keep a low profile to protect their identity and avoid retaliation.