We use the expression train of thought to refer to the process of thinking about a sequence of connected ideas. We often use this expression to refer to an uninterrupted flow of ideas, or the development of a line of reasoning in our mind.
We use the expression half the battle to refer to the success that we feel when we’ve completed the most difficult part of a task, especially one that requires multiple steps. We use it to say that we’ve had a successful start to a task and that, as a result, we’re one step closer to achieving our goal.
When someone is on the ball, they pay close attention to the details of an activity or project. As a result, they are usually knowledgeable and quick to respond to changes.
When you put something on the back burner, you put it on hold to deal with at a later time. You could put something on the back burner because it’s not important, it’s not urgent, or you just don’t have the time or resources to deal with it at the moment.
If you give someone the freedom to behave in an unsatisfactory way and you do not criticize them, then you cut them some slack. This does not mean that you are encouraging their behavior. Rather, it just means that you have decided not to judge their actions as harshly as usual.
When something takes a toll on you, it has a negative impact on your physical or emotional state. The impact usually happens slowly over time.
When you have a lot on your plate, you have a lot of important tasks to manage. This could mean that you’re trying to balance multiple projects at one time, or you’re dealing with one large, demanding project.
We use the term silver lining to emphasize hope or optimism about a negative situation. If you’re faced with an upsetting situation but you’re able to find something positive about it, then you’ve found the silver lining.
When you catch up with someone, you give them an update on recent events in your life. It is a friendly exchange of information, usually between two people who have not seen each other for a long time.
If you lose interest or focus in the task that you’re supposed to be doing and start doing another task, then you got sidetracked. This means that you shifted your attention away from your primary goal and started doing an activity that was, likely, less important. When you get sidetracked, you delay the progress of your main goal.
When you cut back on something, you reduce the amount of money, time or energy that you spend on it. If you decide to cut back on an activity, it’s likely because it was being done in excess.
If you relaxed over the weekend, then you took it easy. We use the expression "take it easy" in two ways. First, you can use it to say that you relaxed and did not do any difficult or tiring activities. Second, you can use it to say that you remained calm or avoided situations that could have caused stress or anger.
If you want to be organized, you have to stay on top of your work. When you stay on top of something, you follow it closely to make sure that you're up to date. This means that you are fully in control of the situation and can react quickly if something changes.
If you do more than is expected of you, then you go above and beyond. Companies are fortunate to have employees who go above and beyond because it typically means that they do more than their job description.
If two or more people have the same opinion, perspective, or understanding of a situation, they are on the same page.
This expression can be used in both personal and professional contexts. For example:
When we look at the big picture, we view a situation as a whole. We do not focus on the small details of its individual parts.
If you need to remember information that could be important or useful at a later time, you can keep it in mind.
If you keep someone in mind, it means that they remain in your thoughts. This could be for personal or professional reasons.
Have you ever accomplished two different tasks with one single effort? If so, you made efficient use of your time and killed two birds with one stone. This expression can be used in both personal and professional contexts. For example:
If you are putting something or someone on your schedule or to-do list with the knowledge that it may change later, you can say you will pencil it in.
You can use "it" to specify an event and "you" if you are talking to the person you are making the plans with.
Here are some examples of how to use this phrase:
If a conversation is going in a new direction and you want to return to a previous point, you can circle back.
In business, it’s very common for discussions to be directed away from the main point as new ideas, issues, or related topics come up. If you would like to refocus everyone’s attention to the main point of a discussion, you can circle back to it.