Idiom of the Week

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Week of February 23, 2009

“The IT Team was walking on air when they heard that their new software patent had been approved.”

Walking on air – adj. To be extremely happy, overjoyed, euphoric.

“Rosemary was walking on air when she found out that she had won the Entrepreneur Of The Year Award.”

Week of February 16, 2009

““Be careful,” warned Javier, “it’s a slippery slope from helping out a colleague to taking on all of their work”.”

Slippery slope - n. A path which will lead to trouble, a dangerous route to follow. A habit which will lead to a more dangerous habit.

“After several weeks of paying for her co-worker’s lunch, Goya was beginning to feel like she was on a slippery slope.”

Week of February 9, 2009

“Reorganizing the desks had everyone in the office wondering if massive layoffs were in the future, even though the office manager assured them it was just a storm in a teacup.”

Storm in a teacup (British English), Tempest in a teapot (American English) - n. A small event or problem that has been exaggerated.

“‘Do you really think it’s true that the Mayor is trying to cut costs by not fixing the streetlights?’ asked Calleigh. ‘No,’ replied her neighbor, ‘It’s just a tempest in a teapot.’”

Week of February 2, 2009

“With his client pulling him in one direction and his supervisor in another, Eric felt stuck between a rock and a hard place. No matter which direction he decided to go, someone would be dissatisfied.”

Stuck between a rock and a hard place- v. To be caught in a difficult situation. To be forced to make a choice between two equally unpleasant or unsatisfactory alternatives.

“Joanne felt stuck between a rock and a hard place; she could either accept early retirement or take a cut in pay and hours. Neither option was a choice she wanted to make.”