idioms
Idioms & Natural Expressions
Fixed expressions and idiomatic language to sound more natural and precise.
30 minC1c1idiomscareer-development-professional-networkingcareernetworkingprofessional
Lesson objectives
- Use idiomatic language connected to career development & professional networking more naturally.
- Distinguish neutral, formal and contemporary expressions.
- Recognise when an expression improves fluency without sounding forced.
Idioms & expressions — Career Development & Professional Networking
To climb the corporate ladder · neutral
neutralMeaning:To advance within a company's hierarchy to reach higher positions.
Significado:Ascender en la escala jerárquica de una empresa.
Example:She has always been ambitious and focused on climbing the corporate ladder within the fintech sector.
To touch base · neutral
neutralMeaning:To briefly contact someone to update them or check progress.
Significado:Ponerse en contacto con alguien brevemente para actualizar información.
Example:Let's touch base briefly after the quarterly review to align our goals.
To break new ground · formal
formalMeaning:To do something innovative or pioneering.
Significado:Abrir nuevos caminos o innovar en un campo.
Example:The research team is breaking new ground in sustainable AI development.
To be in the loop · neutral
neutralMeaning:To be informed about a particular situation or project.
Significado:Estar al tanto de algo o estar informado.
Example:Please ensure the project manager is kept in the loop regarding any budget changes.
To hit the ground running · neutral
neutralMeaning:To start a new job or project with great energy and immediate success.
Significado:Empezar algo con mucha energía y eficacia desde el primer momento.
Example:We need a consultant who can hit the ground running and deliver results in the first week.
To pivot · neutral
neutralMeaning:To fundamentally change a business strategy or career direction in response to market changes.
Significado:Cambiar radicalmente de estrategia o dirección profesional.
Example:After the market shift, the startup decided to pivot towards automated logistics.
To lean in · neutral
neutralMeaning:To embrace challenges and fully commit to professional opportunities.
Significado:Afrontar retos y comprometerse plenamente con las oportunidades profesionales.
Example:Instead of playing it safe, she decided to lean in and take on the leadership role.
To be quiet quitting · informal
formalMeaning:To do only the minimum required work to avoid burnout or due to lack of engagement.
Significado:Hacer lo mínimo indispensable en el trabajo (renuncia silenciosa).
Example:Management is worried that low engagement levels among remote workers are a sign of quiet quitting.
To upskill/reskill · neutral
neutralMeaning:To learn new skills or teach oneself new professional competencies to stay relevant.
Significado:Capacitarse o adquirir nuevas competencias profesionales.
Example:In this rapidly evolving tech landscape, continuous upskilling is no longer optional.
To be AI-augmented · formal
formalMeaning:To work in a way that integrates artificial intelligence to enhance productivity.
Significado:Trabajar de forma integrada con inteligencia artificial para mejorar la productividad.
Example:The modern professional needs to be AI-augmented to remain competitive in the current job market.