English Bite — Idioms from the World of Work

Idioms are phrases whose meaning is different from the literal words. Workplace idioms are common in meetings, emails, and casual conversation — understanding them prevents confusion.

My first year in Australia, I worked in a café. The manager said: Let’s touch base later. I looked for a base. I looked for something to touch. I understood nothing. Touch base means to make brief contact — to check in. English workplaces run on idioms. Understanding them is not decoration; it is access. After eighteen years in Australian hospitality, I collected them like stamps: on the same page, push the envelope, bite the bullet, drop the ball.

• touch base — make brief contact / check in
• on the same page — agree; have the same understanding
• drop the ball — make an error; fail to deliver
• bite the bullet — do something difficult but necessary
• think outside the box — think creatively, beyond usual limits
• up to speed — fully informed and ready
• go the extra mile — do more than required
• hit the ground running — start something quickly and energetically
• read between the lines — understand the hidden meaning
• the ball is in your court — it’s your decision / responsibility now

Use 3 idioms from the list in sentences about your own work or studies.

A. Let’s meet and play sports. B. Let’s briefly check in with each other. C. Let’s argue. D. Let’s cancel.