Expressions and Idioms: Working Hard

Expressions and Idioms: Working Hard

Fixed expressions and idioms represent a challenge for Advanced English learners. Here is a dialogue between 2 colleagues, John and Sarah, with some common examples about working hard.

Dialogue: Burning the Midnight Oil at Thompson & Associates

Sarah (looking exhausted): John, I've been putting my nose to the grindstone all week on this quarterly report. I think I might have bitten off more than I can chew by agreeing to do this in addition to my normal work.

John: I hear you. I've been working my fingers to the bone on the client presentation. We should probably catch up on our progress over coffee.

Sarah: I'd love to, but I'm swamped right now. Maybe we can take a rain check? I'm still burning the midnight oil trying to get everything finished before Christmas.

John: No problem. Just don't overwork yourself. It seems like we're both under a lot of pressure this week.

Idiom Definitions:

1. Burning the midnight oil: Working late into the night, typically on a difficult task or project. Example: "She was burning the midnight oil to complete her research paper."

2. Put your nose to the grindstone: To work hard and continuously, focusing intensely on a task. Example: "If you want to succeed in this industry, you'll need to put your nose to the grindstone."

3. Bite off more than you can chew: To take on a task that is too big or complicated to handle easily. Example: "He bit off more than he can chew by agreeing to manage three projects simultaneously."

4. I'm swamped: Extremely busy or overwhelmed with work; having too many tasks or responsibilities to handle comfortably. Example: "I can't take on any new projects right now because I'm completely swamped with my current workload."

5. Take a rain check: To postpone an invitation or plans to a later time. Example: "Sorry, I'm busy tonight. Can we take a rain check on dinner?"

6. Work your fingers to the bone: To work extremely hard, often to the point of exhaustion. Example: "The small business owner worked her fingers to the bone to keep the company running."

Are you busy during this period leading up to Christmas? Can you use any of these idioms?

Setting SMART Goals

The Transforming Aspirations into Achievable Objectives

Building on last week's newsletter about annual reviews, I want to dive deeper into how I translate reflection into concrete action through SMART goal setting. SMART is a powerful acronym that provides a structured approach to creating meaningful and achievable goals:

Specific: A specific goal answers the fundamental questions:

• What exactly do I want to accomplish?

• Why am I pursuing this goal?

Instead of a vague goal like "improve my business," a specific goal would be:

Measurable: Measurability is about tracking progress and knowing when you've reached your goal. It requires concrete criteria for measuring progress. For instance, rather than saying "I want to read more," a measurable goal would be "Read 2 professional development books a month during 2025" or "Increase monthly consulting revenue by €500."

Achievable: An achievable goal strikes a balance between aspiration and reality. It should stretch your abilities but remain possible. This doesn't mean the goal is easy, but it should be realistic given your current resources, skills, and constraints. For example, if you are currently B1 English level, achieving C2 is not realistic in 12 months. However, achieving B2 level is realistic and possible.

Relevant: Relevance ensures that the goal aligns with your broader life and career objectives. It should matter to you and fit within your larger professional and personal strategy. A relevant goal connects to your core values and long-term vision. For my newsletter business, a relevant goal might be "Develop two new content streams that directly support my business English training services."

Time-bound: Every SMART goal needs a clear timeframe. A deadline creates urgency and helps you prioritise. Without a time limit, goals can become perpetual wishful thinking. Instead of "I want to improve my investing knowledge," a time-bound goal would be "Complete an advanced investment course by June 30th."

Turn Your Dreams into SMART Goals

A non-SMART goal may be “I want to improve my English”.

Let’s transform this into a SMART goal:

• Specific - Pass Cambridge C1 Advanced English exam

• Measurable - progress can be tracked with the practice exams

• Achievable - I am B2 level now and one level improvement is achievable in a year

• Relevant - furthers my big picture goal of promotion and employment prospects

• Time-bound - November 30th

The SMART approach transforms wishful thinking into a clear, actionable plan. It provides structure, motivation, and a clear pathway to turn your annual review reflections into tangible achievements.

What SMART goals are you going to set yourself for 2025?

Word of the Day: Smart

Smart - adjective - intelligent, or able to think quickly or intelligently in difficult situations.

Smart - adjective - having a clean, tidy and stylish appearance

Do you have any Business English Questions?

Please email me and I will do my best to answer them in future newsletters.

Until next Wednesday - have a great week!

Iain.

www.communicateenglish.com