Essential Idioms
English is rich in idiomatic expressions — and using them can make your language sound authentic and up to date.
What did they say again?
First, the idiomatic way
Julie: Look, every time I’m up for promotion, I’m passed over. Paul: Are you chucking it all in? Julie: I am. I’ve tried for four years now to break the glass ceiling, but I’ve got nowhere.
Now, more simply
Julie: Look, every time I’m considered for a better job, someone else gets it.
Paul: Are you leaving?
Julie: I am. I’ve tried for four years now to be the first woman to reach a higher position in the company, but I failed.
First, the idiomatic way
Julie: I won’t burn my bridges. But I’ll say it’s difficult for women to climb the career ladder here. Paul: That will put the cat among the pigeons. I’d love to be a fly on the wall when you tell them.
Now, more simply
Julie: I won’t leave in a way that makes it impossible to come back. But I’ll say it’s difficult for women to progress here.
Paul: That will cause trouble. I’d love to watch without anyone seeing me when you tell them.
First, the idiomatic way
HR manager: It’s great you’re
on board, Julie. Oh, did I say that you don’t need to clock in or clock out? Big Brother is not watching you here.
Julie: You did. That’s one of the reasons I decided to change sides. HR manager: Interesting. It doesn’t mean you can knock off early, though.
Now, more simply
HR manager: I’m delighted you’re part of the team, Julie. Oh, did I say that you don’t need to inform anyone when you arrive and leave? Big Brother is not watching you here.
Julie: You did. That’s one of the reasons I decided to leave my old company and join you.
HR manager: Interesting. It doesn’t mean you can stop work early, though.
First, the idiomatic way
Paul: Did they throw you in at the deep end?
Julie: Not at all. Mark, my assistant, has been great. He’s shown me the ropes and dished the dirt on everyone!
Paul: Does he maybe have a hidden agenda?
Julie: That’s a good question!
Now, more simply
Paul: Did they make you deal with the job without any help?
Julie: Not at all. Mark, my assistant, has been great. He’s shown me how things work and told me all the gossip on everyone!
Paul: Does he maybe have a secret reason for doing that?
Julie: That’s a good question!