WORK IDIOMS, COLLOQUIALISMS AND OTHER EXPRESSIONS

Idioms are sayings, figures of speech or groups of words that have a very specific meaning. A colloquialism is an informal word or expression that is more used in speech rather than writing. A figure of speech is an informal word or phrase that is not to be taken literally and that is also more commonly used in conversation than in written work.

Generally speaking, it is not possible to understand the meaning of idioms, colloquialisms or figures of speech simply by reading the individual words. In most cases, idioms etc. are only properly understood by native speakers and cannot be translated into other languages. However, other languages may have similar expressions.

Why use idioms, colloquialisms and other expressions?

The advantage of using idioms, figures of speech and colloquialisms is that their meanings are very precise and they usually create vivid pictures in the mind of the reader or listener. This means they make language vibrant and colourful and they are very effective at conveying a specific idea, concept or image.

Read the following sentences. The work idioms etc. have been highlighted:

1. My brother, Helmut, is a manual worker in a German factory. Like me he’s a blue collar worker.
2. My cousin is a secretary in an office. Like me she’s a white collar worker.
3. I need to do some more hours at work so I can make more money. I think I’ll ask if I can work overtime.
4. The train drivers in Brazil are refusing to work. They’ve decided to come out on strike.
5. I work for a very small amount of money. I really hate working for peanuts.
6. Jo is unemployed and is receiving unemployment benefit. There’s nothing worse than being on the dole.
7. Our Japanese boss makes the staff work too hard. He’s such a slave driver.
8. Sarah is Chinese. She has great potential and ambition. She’s always been a high flyer.
9. My boss made a mistake and made me take responsibility for it. I hate it when I have to carry the can for someone else.
10. My name is Gabriela. I am from Brazil. I work from 10pm to 6am. Of course, I get paid for working the night shift.
11. Jim applied to his boss for more money. He put in for a raise.
12. Haruki is Japanese. He works too hard. Yesterday he started at 7.30am but didn’t finish until midnight. If he continues like that he’ll burn himself out.
13. Our German company director was given a large sum of money when he retired before the end of his contract. I wish I could get a golden handshake like that.
14. Our company is still working in the usual way, in spite of difficulties. I’m glad to say it’s business as usual.
15. Wang Fang is Chinese. She looks for top managers and offers them jobs in other companies. She’s a head hunter.
16. Have you heard? John has been dismissed for coming late all the time. I knew he’d get the sack one day.