In this post, we’re going to explore some fun expressions called idioms that use the word “job.” Idioms are like secret codes that don’t mean what they actually say. They help us say things in a creative way. Let’s learn some job idioms that will make talking about work a little more interesting!
Job Idioms
Here are 20 job idioms in English.
1. On the job
Meaning: While working
Example: He learned carpentry on the job.
2. Bang-up job
Meaning: Excellent work
Example: She did a bang-up job organizing.
3. Inside job
Meaning: Crime done by insiders
Example: The theft was an inside job.
4. Job market
Meaning: Employment availability
Example: The job market is really competitive.
5. Nose to the grindstone
Meaning: Working hard
Example: He kept his nose to the grindstone.
6. Make short work of
Meaning: Finish quickly
Example: She made short work of the task.
7. Hatchet job
Meaning: Destructive criticism
Example: The review was a hatchet job.
8. Odd job
Meaning: Occasional work
Example: He does odd jobs in summer.
9. Job for life
Meaning: Permanent job
Example: She has a job for life.
10. Botch job
Meaning: Poorly done work
Example: It was a botch job repair.
11. Day job
Meaning: Regular work
Example: Keep your day job!
12. Job’s comforter
Meaning: Discouraging supporter
Example: He’s such a Job’s comforter.
13. Snow job
Meaning: Deceptive talk
Example: It was just a snow job.
14. Donkey work
Meaning: Tedious, hard work
Example: He’s stuck doing donkey work.
15. Man of many hats
Meaning: Many jobs
Example: He wears many hats at work.
16. Dirty work
Meaning: Unpleasant tasks
Example: He always does the dirty work.
17. Put in a good word
Meaning: Recommend someone
Example: Can you put in a good word?
18. A tough act to follow
Meaning: Hard to surpass
Example: Her success is a tough act to follow.
19. Hands are tied
Meaning: Unable to help
Example: My hands are tied on this decision.
20. Blue-collar
Meaning: Manual labor work
Example: He’s proud of his blue-collar job.
