English in the Workplace
English in the Workplace
The Outline of This Lesson on English in the Workplace
Flat out
extremely busy and fast – as busy as a beaver
The company staff are working flat out to keep up with the heavy demands of the customers.
Video of English in the workplace
train of thought / track of thought
a sequence of ideas or thoughts that are interconnected
My train of thought was disrupted due to the presence of the noisy children.
get back on track
to return to a normal situation after a period of being unproductive
For a complete week, I couldn’t manage to be productive at work, but I promise to get back on track and compensate for it.
off track
in the wrong path – at fault – mistaken – unproductive
The chief executive warned us that we were getting off track. He said, “shape up or ship out”.
to bank on somebody or something
to count on something happening or someone doing something – depend on – rely on
If I were in your shoes, I would never bank on that business strategy.
brush up on
to review, revise and update a strategy – refine – go over – renew
Their insurance policies seem to be rather problematic. I think they need to brush up on them.
bring something to the table
to be able to use something valuable in the right place
As a shrewd real estate broker, he perfectly knows how to bring his years of experience to the table.
bring up
to mention something or raise a topic in a meeting – propose doing something
After a long period of absolute silence, the foreman eventually brought up a practical plan.
turn down
to reject a plan or suggestion – disapprove – disallow
They insisted on signing the contract, yet I had to turn it down because I was from Missouri.
wing it
to do something without planning or preparation – improvise – extemporize
We don’t have time for making any plan this week. We ought to wing it this time.
off-the-cuff
delivered spontaneously or without preparation or notes – improvised – impromptu
I lost my notes on the way, and now I have to make the speech completely off-the-cuff.
