Timeline for Can I use these three idioms at work when talking to my boss and my customers?
Current License: CC BY-SA 3.0
6 events
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| Jan 13, 2017 at 9:12 | comment | added | HenryJekyll1886 | @Mari-Lou A: I could have made it more clear, but I didn't write all the alternatives because there are so many. It then depends on the (work) environment which ones are appropriate/best. I will be happy to amend the post with more appropriate examples if this becomes known. | |
| Jan 13, 2017 at 3:25 | comment | added | Tom22 | "Let's bail" probably comes in and out of fashion - I used it in high school so it's probably "out". It is definitely used in very casual way among friends. An informal boss might use it with you but I wouldn't use it back with them as usually they get to call the shots about when to abruptly leave without discussion. I think the "drop of the hat" is very dated: something bugs bunny used in 1940...people would laugh, but if you wanted to make them laugh it would be a good natured joke. | |
| Jan 13, 2017 at 3:21 | comment | added | Tom22 | Well explained answers. To share my own impressions, I would say "you've got me there" is common enough but it's used in a few particular ways that might be hard to get right as a non-native speaker. It's often said with a "I hear you" tone and laugh agreeing or with a "I'm with you brother" deadpan. Like you said, you wouldn't use it with a customer question or really with any question about something you were responsible for or someone who needed some help. It's a humorous response. | |
| Jan 12, 2017 at 10:08 | comment | added | WS2 | Good answer but You've got me there is probably a bit dated now. I've never heard of let's bail, though people do bail out of stricken aircraft, ships etc. Bail out is also used metaphorically. I think we should bail out of the project. But it usually means abandon altogether - rather than just let's go home or such. I agree entirely with your views on drop of a hat. | |
| Jan 12, 2017 at 9:03 | comment | added | Mari-Lou A | I think the OP is precisely asking because he does not know "or one of many similar expressions". Could you provide an alternative that would be appropriate in a work environment? | |
| Jan 12, 2017 at 8:13 | history | answered | HenryJekyll1886 | CC BY-SA 3.0 |