These boss expressions will help you communicate effectively with your boss and understand their expectations.
Boss Expressions
1. Call the shots
Meaning: Make important decisions
Example: The boss calls the shots around here.
2. Crack the whip
Meaning: Demand hard work
Example: Our boss knows when to crack the whip.
3. Hands-on
Meaning: Directly involved in work
Example: She’s a hands-on manager, always leading.
4. Keep an eye on
Meaning: Watch over carefully
Example: The boss keeps an eye on our progress.
5. Hold accountable
Meaning: Make someone responsible
Example: Our manager holds us accountable for results.
6. Lead by example
Meaning: Show how to act by acting
Example: He leads by example with his dedication.
7. Walk the talk
Meaning: Do what one advises others to do
Example: The CEO walks the talk with integrity.
8. Hold one’s own
Meaning: Perform well in challenging situations
Example: She holds her own in difficult meetings.
9. Keep someone on their toes
Meaning: Make someone remain alert
Example: Our boss keeps us on our toes with deadlines.
10. Put one’s foot down
Meaning: Assert one’s authority
Example: The manager put his foot down on delays.
11. Have one’s back
Meaning: Support someone
Example: Our boss always has our back.
12. Bring to the table
Meaning: Offer skills or value
Example: What unique skills can you bring to the table?
13. Give the green light
Meaning: Allow a project to proceed
Example: The boss gave the green light for the launch.
14. Get off one’s high horse
Meaning: Stop acting arrogantly
Example: The boss needs to get off his high horse.
15. Run a tight ship
Meaning: Manage a company efficiently
Example: She runs a tight ship in the office.
16. Square away
Meaning: Arrange or organize properly
Example: The boss wants us to square away our files.
17. Breathe down someone’s neck
Meaning: Monitor someone too closely
Example: He’s always breathing down our necks.
18. Jump through hoops
Meaning: Do challenging tasks to please someone
Example: We jumped through hoops to impress the boss.
19. Lay down the law
Meaning: Enforce rules strictly
Example: Our boss laid down the law regarding punctuality.
20. Get on the wrong side of
Meaning: Annoy or anger someone
Example: Don’t get on the wrong side of the boss.
