Talk the talk

Soft copy – not something off the top shelf but an electronic document.

Hard copy – not something off the top shelf from a specialised vendor but a paper document.

Heavy-hitter – not a playground bully but someone important. Both definitions can sometimes work simultaneously.

Getting in on the ground floor – not getting into a lift but being in on the start of something.

Serial entrepreneur – not an enterprising young killer but someone who starts up many businesses.

Taking something offline – not bringing in the washing but chatting about something later rather than in a meeting. This is one of many methods to mask your ignorance with a snappy new phrase. This really works if you can take the shame of actually uttering the words.

Win-win situation – a cause for celebration where everybody comes up smelling of roses.

Taking ownership of something – not a bit of impromptu shoplifting but being in charge of something.

Hit the ground running – not being assaulted by a group of more experienced joggers but being able to start quickly.

Parachute someone in – not re-enacting the D-Day landings but supplying someone to do a job offsite.

Why not chat to other iVillagers on the Life In The Work Place message board. Take a look at some of the LIVE discussions taking place on the message board right now: