Work
A bad workman always blames his tools
Meaning
A proverb that suggests a poor workman tends to look for an excuse for his poor work.
Examples
It was really Andy’s fault that the wall he built fell down but he tried to claim that the cement mixer was faulty.
Where did it originate?
The expression is found in British collections of proverbs from the 16th century.
Where is it used?
Worldwide, but less commonly than 50 years ago.
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A penny saved is a penny earned
Meaning
Anything you save has the same effect as adding to your income.
Examples
I put all my small change into a jar every day. It’s not much, but a penny saved is a penny earned.
Where did it originate?
The United Kingdom – 17th century.
Where is it used?
Worldwide, but uncommon.
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Against the clock
Meaning
In a great hurry to complete something before a set deadline.
Examples
Sorry, no pub lunch for me today, I’m up against the clock. This report’s got to be done by 6pm or I’m dead.
Where did it originate?
The United Kingdom, 20th century. The allusion being that someone is in a race against the clock.
Where is it used?
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Al desko
Meaning
Eating one’s lunch while still working. (A Pun on ’Al fresco’.).
Examples
I’m too busy to come to the cafe this lunchtime – I’ll be lunching al desko.
Where did it originate?
USA and Britain, in the 1980s
Where is it used?
Widely used, but mainly in the 30/40s generations who work in offices.
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All in a day's work
Meaning
Typical; a normal set of circumstances.
Examples
Screaming through red lights to find a house burning down. All in a day’s work if you are a fireman.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 19th century.
Where is it used?
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Back to the drawing board
Meaning
Said when a plan fails and it’s time to start again and make a new plan.
Examples
That battery hovercraft was a nice idea but it just didn’t work. I guess it’s back to the drawing board.
Where did it originate?
USA, 20th century.
Where is it used?
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Burn the midnight oil
Meaning
To work late into the night.
Examples
Sorry, I can’t come to the pub. This report’s due at 9am and I’ll need to burn the midnight oil if I am going to get it finished.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 17th century.
Where is it used?
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Code monkey
Meaning
Slang term for a computer programmer.
Examples
He might be just the code monkey who programmed the app, but he’s ended up earning the company more than anyone else.
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Daily grind
Meaning
The dull daily routine.
Examples
Monday morning again – time to get to work and start the daily grind.
Where did it originate?
Britain, late 19th century.
Where is it used?
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Don't give up the day job
Meaning
Said to someone who is a poor performer at a task – suggesting that they wouldn’t be able to succeed at it professionally.
Examples
Your singing is way off key mate – don’t give up the day job will you.
Where did it originate?
USA, 1950s
Where is it used?
Worldwide, but not particularly commonplace.
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Duvet day
Meaning
A work day which an employee is allowed to spend at home relaxing.
Examples
We’d all worked so hard getting the latest design out on time the boss rewarded us with a duvet day to do whatever we wanted.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 1990s.
Where is it used?
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Graveyard shift
Meaning
Working hours that extend overnight.
Examples
I’m on shift-work. One week of days and then one on the graveyard shift.
Where did it originate?
USA, late 19th century.
Where is it used?
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Haste makes waste
Meaning
Doing things in a rush makes for a poor result.
Examples
I should have known I would trip if I ran with that tray of drinks – haste makes waste.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 16th century proverb.
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
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Know the ropes
Meaning
To understand how to do something.
Examples
I’m being supervised by Jim for now, but as soon as I know the ropes I’ll be working on my own.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 19th century. Possibly of nautical origin.
Where is it used?
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Nine to five
Meaning
A standard office day, between 9am and 5pm. Often used to denote the boring nature of the weekly working routine.
Examples
This 9 to 5 slog really gets me down by about wednesday – I’m waiting for the weekend to come.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
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Rise and shine
Meaning
Instruction to get out of bed and get ready for work.
Examples
Okay, sleepy heads. Kit inspection in ten minutes – rise and shine.
Where did it originate?
From the Bible.
Where is it used?
Worldwide, but somewhat old-fashioned.
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That Friday feeling
Meaning
Anticipation of the weekend after a hard working week.
Examples
I’m ready for a few jars at the pub after work – I’ve got that friday feeling.
Where did it originate?
20th century origin, although the similar ‘Friday face’ is known in England since the 16th century.
Where is it used?
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Work out
Meaning
1. Calculate using arithmetic. 2. Take exercise (also spelled ‘workout’).
Examples
1. We decided to share the bill for the taxi. My part worked out to four pounds. 2. I’ve joined the gym. My plan is to work out once a week.
Where is it used?
Both forms used Worldwide.
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