Work Idioms

Page 2 of 8

back to the salt mines

Meaning: Return to hard, unpleasant, or routine work after a break or leisure.

Example: After the weekend getaway, it's time to back to the salt mines. Read more ➺


touch base

Meaning: Make contact briefly to update or check in.

Example: Let's touch base next week about the marketing plan. Read more ➺


work wonders

Meaning: Have a very beneficial or transformative effect on someone or something.

Example: A short walk in the fresh air works wonders for clearing the mind. Read more ➺


nose to the grindstone

Meaning: Keep working hard without taking breaks, especially on a task that requires focus and effort over a long time.

Example: You’ll do well here if you keep your nose to the grindstone and stay focused. Read more ➺


quiet quitting

Meaning: Quiet quitting refers to employees fulfilling only the minimum requirements of their job without putting in additional time or effort, often as a response to burnout or a desire for better work-life balance.

Example: Many employees resort to quiet quitting when they feel undervalued at work. Read more ➺


dilly-dallying

Meaning: Engaging in activities that lead to unnecessary delays or wasting time by loitering or delaying.

Example: Stop dilly-dallying and finish your homework before dinner. Read more ➺


coffee badging

Meaning: The act of employees briefly visiting the office to register their presence, often by swiping their access badge, before departing to work remotely.

Example: Many employees practice coffee-badging to satisfy in-office attendance policies while working remotely. Read more ➺


knuckle down

Meaning: Begin to work or study hard, especially after a period of not doing much.

Example: With exams approaching, it's time to knuckle down and study. Read more ➺


rise and grind

Meaning: To wake up and begin working hard towards one’s goals.

Example: She lives by the principle to rise and grind every day to achieve her dreams. Read more ➺


turn an honest penny

Meaning: Earn money through honest work.

Example: After years of odd jobs, he finally found a way to turn an honest penny as a carpenter. Read more ➺


Share
Share