Work idioms (1)

Be/come under fire

• • Definition:

To face criticism, opposition, or scrutiny from others.(To face criticism, opposition, or scrutiny from others.)

• • Examples:

    1. The company came under fire for its unethical business practices, leading to a public outcry.

    2. The politician was under fire for his controversial statements, with many calling for his resignation.

    3. The celebrity came under fire on social media for their insensitive remarks, resulting in a significant backlash.

Burn your bridges

• • Definition:

To damage or destroy relationships or opportunities, making it difficult to return to a previous situation or reconcile with someone.(To damage or destroy relationships or opportunities, making it difficult to return to a previous situation or reconcile with someone.)

• • Examples:

    1. He burned his bridges with his former colleagues by spreading rumors and badmouthing them.

    2. The employee quit their job without notice and spoke negatively about the company, effectively burning their bridges.

    3. She burned her bridges with a potential business partner by breaking a confidentiality agreement and sharing sensitive information.

Climb the corporate/career ladder

• • Definition:

To progress or advance in one’s career or within a hierarchical organizational structure.(To progress or advance in one’s career or within a hierarchical organizational structure.)

• • Examples:

    1. He worked hard and took on additional responsibilities to climb the corporate ladder and reach a managerial position.

    2. She pursued higher education to enhance her skills and increase her chances of climbing the career ladder.

    3. The intern impressed the team with their dedication and quickly climbed the corporate ladder to secure a full-time position.

Earn brownie points

• • Definition:

To gain favor or approval by doing something good or beneficial, often to improve one’s reputation or enhance relationships.(To gain favor or approval by doing something good or beneficial, often to improve one’s reputation or enhance relationships.)

• • Examples:

    1. The employee volunteered to take on extra projects to earn brownie points with the boss.

    2. He helped his neighbor with their household chores to earn brownie points and build goodwill in the community.

    3. She bought flowers for her partner as a surprise, earning brownie points and strengthening their relationship.

(Be) fired

• • Definition:

To be dismissed or terminated from a job or position.(To be dismissed or terminated from a job or position.)

• • Examples:

    1. The employee was fired for repeatedly coming late to work and not meeting performance expectations.

    2. He was fired from his position as a result of a company-wide downsizing initiative.

    3. The chef was fired for consistently serving subpar meals and receiving multiple customer complaints.

Gear up

• • Definition:

To prepare or get ready for a particular task, event, or challenge.(To prepare or get ready for a particular task, event, or challenge.)

• • Examples:

    1. The team geared up for the upcoming championship match by increasing their training sessions and intensity.

    2. She geared up for the important presentation by rehearsing her speech and gathering relevant data.

    3. The company geared up for the product launch by ramping up production and marketing efforts.

Get the sack

• • Definition:

To be fired or dismissed from a job.(To be fired or dismissed from a job.)

• • Examples:

    1. The employee constantly missed deadlines and was disrespectful to colleagues, leading to them getting the sack.

    2. He got the sack after being caught stealing office supplies.

    3. The company downsized, and several employees got the sack due to restructuring.

Get your act together

• • Definition:

To organize oneself, improve one’s behavior, or become more focused and efficient.(To organize oneself, improve one’s behavior, or become more focused and efficient.)

• • Examples:

    1. She struggled with time management but eventually got her act together by using a productivity system and setting priorities.

    2. The team performed poorly in the first half of the game, but they got their act together and made a comeback in the second half.

    3. He received feedback about his performance and used it as motivation to get his act together and improve his work.

Get your foot in the door

• • Definition:

To secure an initial opportunity or position that can lead to further progress or success.(To secure an initial opportunity or position that can lead to further progress or success.)

• • Examples:

    1. She started as an intern to get her foot in the door and eventually secured a full-time position in the company.

    2. He volunteered at the organization to get his foot in the door and establish connections within the industry.

    3. The aspiring actor took on small roles in independent films to get their foot in the door of the entertainment industry.

Glass ceiling

• • Definition:

An invisible barrier or limitation, often related to gender, ethnicity, or other forms of discrimination, that prevents individuals from advancing to higher positions in the workplace.(An invisible barrier or limitation, often related to gender, ethnicity, or other forms of discrimination, that prevents individuals from advancing to higher positions in the workplace.)

• • Examples:

    1. Despite her qualifications and experience, she faced a glass ceiling that prevented her from reaching top-level executive positions.

    2. The company was criticized for its lack of diversity and the presence of a glass ceiling that hindered women from advancing.

    3. The organization implemented initiatives to break the glass ceiling and promote equality and advancement opportunities for all employees.