💼 Aurum Borealis Pro Tips: 3 Phrasal Idioms You Need at Work (Plus 1 to Retire 😉)
- Jasmine
- Jun 14
- 2 min read

Want to sound more natural at work?
Mastering common office idioms can help you fit in fast—and speak like someone who gets it.
Here are 3 that are heard in meetings every day in the U.S.:
✅ 1. Catch them up to speed
Meaning: Update someone who missed something
🧠 Why? Imagine a running race—if someone joins late, you help them “speed up” to where the group is.
“She missed the first meeting, so I’ll catch her up to speed.”
✅ 2. Get the ball rolling
Meaning: Start a task or project
🧠 Why? This phrase comes from sports—when the ball rolls, the game starts. At work, it means “Let’s begin.”
“We’re waiting on final approval, then we can get the ball rolling.”
✅ 3. Cut corners
Meaning: Do something quickly by skipping steps
🧠 Why? This often means you didn’t follow the correct process—usually negative.
“We can’t cut corners on this project—it’s too important.”
❌ Bonus: Stop Saying “Burn the Midnight Oil”
We love you, but unless you own an oil lamp from 1850… let it go. 😅
It’s outdated, and no one under 75 says it anymore.
✅ Use This Instead: Pulled an all-nighter
Meaning: Stayed up all night to finish work
🧠 Why? This one comes straight from U.S. college culture. And yes—we use it in the office, too.
“I pulled an all-nighter to finish the report before the deadline.”
⚠️ Pro-Tip: Use it sparingly.
If you say this too often, it can sound like poor planning.
But if your team crushed a last-minute project and stayed up late to get it done?
👏 It shows grit, commitment, and teamwork.
✨ Want help using professional English with more confidence and ease?
We work with top global professionals who want to shine in meetings, interviews, and presentations—often they find their A-game in just 1 or 2 sessions.
Let us help you nail your message and walk into your next big moment ready to win.
You’ve come so far—we’ll help you cross the finish line. 💛



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