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Category: idioms

  • Roll With the Punches

    🗓️ Idiom: Roll with the Punches (v)

    💬 Meaning

    • To adapt to challenges or changes without getting upset.
    • To stay flexible and keep moving forward, even when things don’t go as planned.

    🧠 Example Sentences

    • The timeline changed twice, but the team rolled with the punches and kept making progress.
    • In project management, you have to roll with the punches because things rarely go exactly as planned.
    • The system went down, but our IT staff rolled with the punches and found a quick workaround.

    🏛️ Origin

    This idiom comes from boxing, where a fighter moves with an opponent’s punch to lessen its impact. In business and project work, it means being flexible and handling setbacks with resilience.

    📝 Practice Exercises

    1. Fill in the blank:

    The client changed the requirements last minute, but we managed to __________.

    Answer

    roll with the punches

    2. Choose the correct meaning of “roll with the punches”:

    A) Refuse to make any changes
    B) Become angry when things go wrong
    C) Adapt and keep going during challenges
    D) Stick strictly to the original plan

    Answer

    C) Adapt and keep going during challenges

    3. Rewrite the sentence using the idiom:

    “She stayed calm and flexible even when the project faced delays.” → Change the sentence using: roll with the punches

    Answer

    She rolled with the punches even when the project faced delays.

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  • Being a Well-Oiled Machine

    🗓️ Idiom: Being a Well-Oiled Machine (v)

    💬 Meaning

    • To work smoothly, efficiently, and without problems.
    • A team or system that is well-organized and functions effectively.

    🧠 Example Sentences

    • After months of collaboration, the development team now works like a well-oiled machine.
    • Our weekly planning meetings help the project run like a well-oiled machine.
    • The marketing campaign was a success. Everyone played their part like a well-oiled machine.

    🏛️ Origin

    The phrase comes from machinery that operates smoothly when properly maintained and lubricated. In business, it refers to a group or process that runs efficiently and without issues.

    📝 Practice Exercises

    1. Fill in the blank:

    Once the new tools were in place, the workflow started running like __________.

    Answer

    a well-oiled machine

    2. Choose the correct meaning of “a well-oiled machine”:

    A) A team that has frequent problems
    B) A system that works smoothly and efficiently
    C) A plan that hasn’t started yet
    D) A task that no one wants to do

    Answer

    B) A system that works smoothly and efficiently

    3. Rewrite the sentence using the idiom:

    “The whole project team worked together perfectly.” → Change the sentence using: a well-oiled machine

    Answer

    The whole project team worked like a well-oiled machine.

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  • Walk the Talk / Walk the Walk (v)

    🗓️ Idiom: Walk the Talk / Walk the Walk (v)

    💬 Meaning

    • To do what you say you will do.
    • To back up your words with actions, especially in a leadership or project setting.

    🧠 Example Sentences

    • The manager promised better communication so now it’s time to walk the talk.
    • If we expect the team to meet deadlines, we have to walk the walk ourselves.
    • She talks about innovation, but she also walks the talk by trying new approaches.

    🏛️ Origin

    Originally from American English, this idiom contrasts talking (making claims) with walking (taking action). “Walk the walk” and “walk the talk” both emphasize that actions should match words — a key idea in leadership and project execution.

    📝 Practice Exercises

    1. Fill in the blank:

    The director said transparency was important, but now she needs to __________ and share the data.

    Answer

    walk the talk

    2. Choose the correct meaning of “walk the talk”:

    A) Avoid responsibilities
    B) Say one thing and do another
    C) Take action that matches your words
    D) Delay making a decision

    Answer

    C) Take action that matches your words

    3. Rewrite the sentence using the idiom:

    “He said he valued teamwork, and he showed it by helping the group.” → Change the sentence using: walk the talk

    Answer

    He said he valued teamwork, and he walked the talk by helping the group.

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  • See Something Through

    🗓️ Idiom: See Something Through (v)

    💬 Meaning

    • To continue working on something until it is finished.
    • To stay committed and complete a project or task, even if it’s difficult.

    🧠 Example Sentences

    • The project had many setbacks, but we saw it through to the end.
    • She’s determined to see the new software system through, no matter how long it takes.
    • Once we commit to a timeline, we have to see it through.

    🏛️ Origin

    This idiom comes from the idea of looking or moving all the way “through” a situation or task to the end. In business, it emphasizes persistence and finishing what you start.

    📝 Practice Exercises

    1. Fill in the blank:

    Even with tight deadlines, the team worked hard to __________ the project.

    Answer

    see through

    2. Choose the correct meaning of “see something through”:

    A) Stop a project early
    B) Avoid taking responsibility
    C) Complete a task until the end
    D) Pause to reconsider the task

    Answer

    C) Complete a task until the end

    3. Rewrite the sentence using the idiom:

    “He stayed with the project and finished it, even although it was difficult.” → Change the sentence using: see it through

    Answer

    He saw the project through, even although it was difficult.

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  • Get Your Ducks in a Row

    🗓️ Idiom: Get Your Ducks in a Row (v)

    💬 Meaning

    • To organize things well before starting a task.
    • To make sure all parts of a project are ready and in order.

    🧠 Example Sentences

    • Before we present to the client, let’s get our ducks in a row.
    • The team spent the first week getting their ducks in a row for the product launch.
    • You’ll save time if you get your ducks in a row before starting the execution phase.

    🏛️ Origin

    This idiom likely comes from the image of ducklings lining up behind their parent in an orderly way. In business, it means getting everything organized before taking action.

    📝 Practice Exercises

    1. Fill in the blank:

    Before launching the campaign, we need to __________ and finalize the plan.

    Answer

    get our ducks in a row

    2. Choose the correct meaning of “get your ducks in a row”:

    A) Complete tasks without planning
    B) Organize everything properly before starting
    C) Leave things to the last minute
    D) Let others handle the project

    Answer

    B) Organize everything properly before starting

    3. Rewrite the sentence using the idiom:

    “We need to prepare all details before the project begins.” → Change the sentence using: get our ducks in a row

    Answer

    We need to get our ducks in a row before the project begins.

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  • Being on Top of Things

    🗓️ Idiom: Being on Top of Things (v)

    💬 Meaning

    • Staying in control of all tasks and responsibilities.
    • Being well-organized, informed, and ready to act.

    🧠 Example Sentences

    • The project manager is really on top of things so she always knows the status of every task.
    • If we want to meet this tight deadline, we need to stay on top of things.
    • He was praised for being on top of things during the product rollout.

    🏛️ Origin

    The phrase comes from the image of someone standing above a situation, able to see and manage everything clearly. In business, it means being fully aware and in control of what’s going on.

    📝 Practice Exercises

    1. Fill in the blank:

    We avoided delays because the team lead was __________ from the beginning.

    Answer

    on top of things

    2. Choose the correct meaning of “being on top of things”:

    A) Letting problems build up
    B) Focusing only on one detail
    C) Staying organized and in control
    D) Starting projects late

    Answer

    C) Staying organized and in control

    3. Rewrite the sentence using the idiom:

    “She always manages tasks well and knows what’s happening at all times.” → Change the sentence using: on top of things

    Answer

    She is always on top of things and manages tasks well.

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  • Being on the Ball

    🗓️ Idiom: Being on the Ball (v)

    💬 Meaning

    • To be alert, attentive, and quick to understand or react.
    • In project work, it means staying organized, prepared, and ready to act.

    🧠 Example Sentences

    • The team leader was really on the ball during the client meeting and answered all questions clearly.
    • Thanks to Sarah being on the ball, we spotted the scheduling conflict early.
    • We need someone on the ball to manage this high-pressure launch.

    🏛️ Origin

    This idiom likely comes from sports, where keeping your eye on the ball is key to reacting fast and making good plays. In business, it means being sharp, responsive, and in control of the details.

    📝 Practice Exercises

    1. Fill in the blank:

    The developer was __________ and fixed the issue before it became serious.

    Answer

    on the ball

    2. Choose the correct meaning of “being on the ball”:

    A) Being confused and distracted
    B) Staying calm under pressure
    C) Being alert, prepared, and responsive
    D) Finishing all tasks slowly

    Answer

    C) Being alert, prepared, and responsive

    3. Rewrite the sentence using the idiom:

    “She was very quick to notice the risk in the budget plan.” → Change the sentence using: on the ball

    Answer

    She was on the ball and noticed the risk in the budget plan quickly.

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  • A Stitch in Time Saves Nine

    🗓️ Idiom: A Stitch in Time Saves Nine (v)

    💬 Meaning

    • Fixing a small problem early prevents it from becoming a bigger issue later.
    • Taking quick action saves time and effort in the long run.

    🧠 Example Sentences

    • We patched the software bug as soon as we saw it because a stitch in time saves nine.
    • Don’t ignore that missing deadline; fix it now. Remember, a stitch in time saves nine.
    • The project manager corrected the timeline early on. It was a smart move since a stitch in time saves nine.

    🏛️ Origin

    This idiom comes from sewing: fixing a small tear early with one stitch prevents needing nine more later. In project management, it highlights the importance of solving problems before they grow.

    📝 Practice Exercises

    1. Fill in the blank:

    We resolved the scope issue right away because __________.

    Answer

    a stitch in time saves nine

    2. Choose the correct meaning of “a stitch in time saves nine”:

    A) Delaying action is better
    B) Fixing small issues early prevents bigger problems
    C) Waiting helps gather more information
    D) Big problems should be ignored

    Answer

    B) Fixing small issues early prevents bigger problems

    3. Rewrite the sentence using the idiom:

    “Solving that small problem early helped us avoid a major delay.” → Change the sentence using: a stitch in time saves nine

    Answer

    — A stitch in time saves nine, therefore solving that small problem helped us avoid a major delay

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  • The Early Bird Catches The Worm

    🗓️ Idiom: The Early Bird Catches the Worm (v)

    💬 Meaning

    • Acting early gives you an advantage.
    • People who start tasks or projects early often succeed more easily.

    🧠 Example Sentences

    • We submitted the funding request first. The early bird catches the worm.
    • If we want the best freelancers for the project, we need to act fast. The early bird catches the worm.
    • She always starts her planning ahead of schedule. It’s no surprise her projects succeed. The early bird catches the worm.

    🏛️ Origin

    This idiom comes from the idea that birds who wake up early are more likely to find worms to eat. In business, it’s used to say that acting quickly or starting early leads to success.

    📝 Practice Exercises

    1. Fill in the blank:

    We booked the best venue because we acted quickly. __________.

    Answer

    The early bird catches the worm

    2. Choose the correct meaning of “the early bird catches the worm”:

    A) People who arrive last get better deals
    B) Starting early helps you succeed
    C) Delaying decisions is helpful
    D) Being too early is a waste of time

    Answer

    B) Starting early helps you succeed

    3. Rewrite the sentence using the idiom:

    “He got the contract because he was the first to apply.” → Change the sentence using: the early bird catches the worm

    Answer

    He got the contract because the early bird catches the worm.

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  • A Slam Dunk

    🗓️ Idiom: A Slam Dunk (n)

    💬 Meaning

    • A guaranteed success or an obvious and certain win.
    • It refers to something that is sure to succeed without much doubt.

    🧠 Example Sentences

    • The new product launch was a slam dunk — sales exceeded all expectations.
    • Getting stakeholder approval was a slam dunk after we presented the cost savings.
    • The merger looked risky at first, but it turned out to be a slam dunk for both companies.

    🏛️ Origin

    This idiom comes from basketball, where a slam dunk is a powerful, guaranteed shot. In business, it’s used to describe actions, decisions, or results that are clearly successful or easy wins.

    📝 Practice Exercises

    1. Fill in the blank:

    The proposal was so strong and well-researched that approval was __________.

    Answer

    a slam dunk

    2. Choose the correct meaning of “a slam dunk”:

    A) A complicated failure
    B) A surprise mistake
    C) A sure and easy success
    D) A temporary delay

    Answer

    C) A sure and easy success

    3. Rewrite the sentence using the idiom:

    “The change was clearly the right decision and worked out perfectly.” → Change the sentence using: a slam dunk

    Answer

    The change was a slam dunk.

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