Work Idioms

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don’t give up the day job

Meaning: a usually humorous way of telling someone not to pursue something full time as he or she is not good at it

Example: I watched your performance at the theater today. My advice is don't give up your day job. Read more ➺


banker’s hours

Meaning: short working hours

Example: With our boss on leave, most of us worked banker's hours for the whole week. Read more ➺


do the trick

Meaning: To achieve the desired result or solve a problem.

Example: Adding a bit more seasoning will do the trick and make the dish taste better. Read more ➺


do or die

Meaning: a situation in which you must take a big risk in order to avoid failure

Example: A do-or-die attempt to halt the invaders. Read more ➺


die in harness

Meaning: to expire while working

Example: She doesn't want to retire - she'd rather die in harness. Read more ➺


all in a day’s work

Meaning: refers to the work that is done regularly by someone

Example: Teaching difficult students might sound like a nightmare to other people but to teachers it is all in a day's work. Read more ➺


a cinch

Meaning: an extremely easy task

Example: I have been preparing for this presentation for the last six months. This promotion will be a cinch for me. Read more ➺


easy come, easy go

Meaning: readily won and readily lost

Example: I won a lot of money at the casino last night but lost it on my way out. Oh well, easy come, easy go. Read more ➺


put the cart before the horse

Meaning: to do things in the wrong order or sequence

Example: Aren't you putting the cart before the horse in decorating your new office? You haven't even been awarded the job yet. Read more ➺


a piece of cake

Meaning: very easy task

Example: Don't worry, Sophie - this job interview will be a piece of cake for you - you have all the skills they need and I think you're absolutely the best candidate. Read more ➺


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