These expressions are used to describe relationships, interactions, and situations among colleagues at the workplace.
Colleague Expressions
- Get along with
Meaning: Have a good relationship
Example: I get along with my team members. - Pitch in
Meaning: Help with work or tasks
Example: The team pitched in to meet deadlines. - Bump into
Meaning: Meet unexpectedly
Example: I bumped into Sarah in the cafeteria. - Hit it off
Meaning: Immediately like each other
Example: They hit it off from the start. - Keep in the loop
Meaning: Keep someone informed
Example: I’ll keep you in the loop about the project. - Rub elbows with
Meaning: Socialize with influential people
Example: He likes rubbing elbows with management. - Pass the buck
Meaning: Shift responsibility to others
Example: He always tries to pass the buck. - Burn the midnight oil
Meaning: Work late into the night
Example: She burned the midnight oil to finish it. - Go the extra mile
Meaning: Put in extra effort
Example: John always goes the extra mile for clients. - See eye to eye
Meaning: Agree completely
Example: We don’t see eye to eye on strategies. - Talk shop
Meaning: Discuss work-related matters
Example: Even at parties, they talk shop. - Work like a dog
Meaning: Work very hard
Example: She works like a dog on weekends. - Climb the corporate ladder
Meaning: Advance through promotions
Example: He’s trying to climb the corporate ladder. - Bend over backward
Meaning: Do everything possible to help
Example: She bent over backward to assist them. - Play hardball
Meaning: Be tough and ruthless
Example: They started to play hardball in negotiations. - Throw under the bus
Meaning: Betray or sacrifice someone
Example: He threw me under the bus to save himself. - Pull strings
Meaning: Use influence for advantage
Example: She pulled strings to get him promoted. - Get the ball rolling
Meaning: Start something
Example: Let’s get the ball rolling on this project. - Knuckle down
Meaning: Start working hard
Example: It’s time to knuckle down and focus. - Keep one’s nose to the grindstone
Meaning: Stay focused and work hard
Example: He kept his nose to the grindstone to meet the deadline.