💼 Aurum Borealis Pro Tips: 3 Phrasal Idioms You Need at Work (Plus 1 to Retire 😉)

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It’s outdated, and no one under 75 says it anymore.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. 💛

📩 AurumBorealis.com