Phone and Video Calls
take a message
phrase
Meaning
To write down what a caller wants to say to someone who is not available, so that you can pass it on later.
Where you use it
A standard phrase for receptionists and colleagues: 'She's not at her desk. Can I take a message?' The caller can 'leave a message'. A good message has the caller's name, company, number and reason for calling.
Examples
I'm afraid Mr Aksoy is in a meeting. Can I take a message?
Could you take a message and ask him to call me back this afternoon?
Common phrases
can I take a message? · leave a message · pass on a message · take a message for someone
More about this term →catch
verb
Meaning
To hear or understand what someone says; usually used in the negative when you missed a word, a name or a number.
Where you use it
A polite way to ask for repetition on calls and in meetings: 'Sorry, I didn't catch that', 'I didn't catch your name'. It sounds more natural than 'I didn't understand', which can suggest a language problem.
Examples
Sorry, I didn't catch the last part. Could you repeat the delivery date?
I didn't catch your colleague's name. Was it Brian or Ryan?
Usage note
Other work uses: 'catch a train' (get it in time) and 'Can I catch you after the meeting?' (talk to you briefly).
Common phrases
I didn't catch that · didn't catch your name · catch what someone said · catch the last part
More about this term →meeting link
noun
Meaning
A web address that lets you join an online meeting, usually included in the calendar invite or sent by email or chat.
Where you use it
Constant in hybrid work: 'Can you send me the meeting link?', 'The link is in the invite', 'The link isn't working'. Teams, Zoom and Google Meet create links automatically; some meetings also need a passcode.
Examples
I can't find the meeting link. Could you paste it in the chat?
The meeting link has changed, so please use the one in the updated invite.
Common phrases
send the meeting link · click the meeting link · meeting link in the invite · share the meeting link
More about this term →frozen
adjective
Meaning
Not moving on a video call because of a bad connection, so the picture stops while the sound or the call may continue.
Where you use it
One of the most common phrases on video calls: 'You're frozen', 'I think Ali has frozen', 'My screen froze'. It is usually followed by advice such as turning off the camera or rejoining the call.
Examples
Sorry, you're frozen. Could you turn your camera off and try again?
Ahmet's screen has frozen; let's wait a moment for him to rejoin.
Common phrases
you're frozen · the screen has frozen · frozen screen · keep freezing
More about this term →background noise
noun
Meaning
Sounds around a speaker, such as traffic, typing or other people talking, that make a call or recording harder to hear.
Where you use it
Common on calls: 'There's a lot of background noise', 'Could everyone mute to cut background noise?' Many apps have noise cancellation. Joining from a café or a train usually means background noise.
Examples
There's a lot of background noise on your line. Are you in the car?
Please mute yourselves when you're not speaking to reduce background noise.
Common phrases
a lot of background noise · reduce background noise · background noise cancellation · pick up background noise
More about this term →dial in
phrasal verb
Meaning
To join a conference call or online meeting, especially by phoning a number instead of using the app or link.
Where you use it
Still common even when most people join by video: 'I'll dial in from the airport', 'Who has dialled in?' The 'dial-in details' or 'dial-in number' are the phone numbers and access codes in the invite.
Examples
I'm driving, so I'll dial in and listen without video.
The dial-in number for the UK is in the calendar invite.
Usage note
British spelling: dialled; American spelling: dialed.
Common phrases
dial in to the call · dial-in number · dial-in details · dial in from the car
More about this term →talk over
phrasal verb
Meaning
To speak at the same time as someone else so that neither person can be heard clearly; common on calls with a delay.
Where you use it
Usually in 'talk over each other' or 'talk over someone': 'Sorry, we're talking over each other. Go ahead.' Talking over someone on purpose is rude, so people apologise and let the other person speak first.
Examples
Sorry, we keep talking over each other. Please go first.
With the delay on the line, it's easy to talk over people by accident.
Usage note
With the object in the middle, 'talk something over' means to discuss it: 'Let's talk it over at lunch'.
Common phrases
talk over each other · talk over someone · keep talking over · sorry, we talked over each other
More about this term →Deadlines and Scheduling
deadline
noun
Meaning
The latest date or time by which a piece of work must be finished, sent or delivered.
Where you use it
One of the most frequent words at work. You set, meet, miss or extend a deadline; deadlines can be tight, strict or firm. It is often combined with a time: a Friday deadline, a 5 p.m. deadline.
Examples
The deadline for the final report is Friday at 5 p.m.
We missed the deadline because the client changed the requirements twice.
Is there any chance we can extend the deadline by a week?
Usage note
Say 'meet a deadline' for finishing on time. 'Catch a deadline', a literal translation of 'yetişmek', is a common mistake.
Common phrases
meet a deadline · miss a deadline · tight deadline · extend the deadline · the deadline is approaching
More about this term →ASAP
abbreviation
Meaning
Short for as soon as possible: used when something should be done or sent without any delay.
Where you use it
Common in emails and chat, and also spoken, either letter by letter or as one word ('AY-sap'). It can sound demanding, so many writers give a concrete time instead or use the softer 'at your earliest convenience'.
Examples
Could you send me the signed contract ASAP? The client is waiting.
We need a decision ASAP, or we'll lose the booking.
Common phrases
ASAP, please · need something ASAP · reply ASAP · as soon as possible
More about this term →EOD
abbreviation
Meaning
Short for end of day: the end of the working day, used as an informal deadline in emails and chat messages.
Where you use it
Mostly written: 'by EOD', 'EOD today', 'EOD Friday'. COB (close of business) means much the same. In international teams, say whose end of day you mean, because time zones differ.
Examples
Can you send me the updated figures by EOD?
I'll have the draft ready by EOD Thursday, Istanbul time.
Common phrases
by EOD · EOD today · EOD Friday · close of business
More about this term →reschedule
verb
Meaning
To change the date or time of a meeting, call or event that was already planned.
Where you use it
Used when something has to move but will still happen. You reschedule a meeting 'for' or 'to' a new time. Unlike postpone, it can mean moving to an earlier time as well as a later one.
Examples
Something urgent came up. Can we reschedule our call for tomorrow morning?
The workshop has been rescheduled to 14 May.
Usage note
Pronunciation differs: American English says 're-SKED-jool', British English often 're-SHED-yool'. Both are correct.
Common phrases
reschedule a meeting · reschedule for next week · need to reschedule · rescheduled date
More about this term →time zone
noun
Meaning
One of the areas of the world that use the same standard time; colleagues in different time zones start and finish work at different hours.
Where you use it
Important when scheduling calls with colleagues abroad. People ask 'What time zone are you in?', talk about working 'across time zones' and write times as '3 p.m. CET' or '15:00 Istanbul time'. Calendar tools convert times automatically.
Examples
Our team works across three time zones, so we keep mornings for joint calls.
Is that 4 p.m. in your time zone or mine?
Usage note
Turkey has used UTC+3 all year round since 2016, so the time difference with Germany, France or Italy is one hour in summer and two hours in winter.
Common phrases
time zone difference · across time zones · in your time zone · a different time zone
More about this term →postpone
verb
Meaning
To move a meeting, event or decision to a later time than the one originally planned.
Where you use it
Slightly formal; common in announcements and emails. You postpone something until or to a later date, or by a period of time. Informal alternatives are 'put off' and 'push back'. With no new date: 'postponed until further notice'.
Examples
The product launch has been postponed until September.
We had to postpone the meeting because the finance director was ill.
Usage note
Postpone only moves things later. To move them earlier, use 'bring forward' (UK) or 'move up' (US).
Common phrases
postpone a meeting · postpone a decision · postponed by a week · postponed until further notice
More about this term →push back
phrasal verb
Meaning
To move a planned date or time to later; also, to resist or argue against a request, plan or decision.
Where you use it
Informal and very common. Scheduling meaning: 'push back the launch by two weeks'. Disagreement meaning: 'push back on the client's request'. The noun pushback means resistance: 'We got a lot of pushback from sales.'
Examples
Can we push back the call to 3 p.m.? I'm stuck in another meeting.
The design team pushed back on the new deadline because it wasn't realistic.
Usage note
The meaning depends on the preposition: 'push something back' means delay it, 'push back on something' means disagree with it.
Common phrases
push back the deadline · push back by a week · push back on a request · get pushback
More about this term →availability
noun
Meaning
The times when someone is free to meet, talk or work on something.
Where you use it
Used when arranging meetings: 'Please let me know your availability next week', 'I've checked everyone's availability.' It is also used for products and stock: 'subject to availability'.
Examples
Could you share your availability for a 30-minute call on Wednesday or Thursday?
Based on everyone's availability, Tuesday at 11 seems to work best.
Common phrases
share your availability · check availability · limited availability · subject to availability
More about this term →calendar invite
noun
Meaning
An electronic invitation to a meeting or call that is sent through a calendar tool and adds the event to the guests' calendars when they accept it.
Where you use it
'Invite' as a noun is informal but normal in offices; 'meeting invitation' is more formal. You send, accept, decline or forward a calendar invite, and update it when the time changes.
Examples
I'll send you a calendar invite for Monday at 10.
I didn't get the calendar invite. Could you forward it to me?
Usage note
As a noun, invite is stressed on the first syllable (IN-vite); as a verb, on the second (in-VITE).
Common phrases
send a calendar invite · accept the invite · decline the invite · update the invite
More about this term →on track
phrase
Meaning
Making the expected progress, so that a plan, target or deadline is likely to be met.
Where you use it
Common in status updates: 'We're on track for the March launch', 'The project is back on track.' The opposite is 'off track' or 'behind schedule'. Status reports often mark 'on track' items in green.
Examples
We're on track to finish the migration by the end of the quarter.
After the delay in May, the project is back on track.
Common phrases
on track for · on track to meet · back on track · keep the project on track · off track
More about this term →behind schedule
phrase
Meaning
Later than planned; not making progress as fast as the schedule says it should.
Where you use it
Used in status reports and meetings, often with a measure: 'two weeks behind schedule'. The opposites are 'on schedule' and 'ahead of schedule'. People also say 'running late' or 'falling behind'.
Examples
The construction work is about three weeks behind schedule because of the weather.
We're slightly behind schedule, but we can still meet the deadline if we add one more tester.
Common phrases
fall behind schedule · weeks behind schedule · run behind schedule · ahead of schedule · on schedule
More about this term →timeline
noun
Meaning
A plan that shows when each stage of a project or process will happen, or the total time available to complete it.
Where you use it
Used in planning and with clients: agree on a timeline, a tight or realistic timeline, 'What's the timeline for this?' 'Time frame' is similar and focuses on the total period.
Examples
The client wants the whole system live in six weeks; that timeline is very tight.
Could you put together a timeline with the main milestones?
Common phrases
project timeline · tight timeline · realistic timeline · agree on a timeline
More about this term →bring forward
phrasal verb
Meaning
To move a meeting, event or deadline to an earlier date or time than originally planned.
Where you use it
Mainly British English; American English says 'move up'. 'Bring the meeting forward to 9', 'bring forward the launch by a week'. It can also mean to put an idea forward for discussion: 'bring forward a proposal'.
Examples
Can we bring the meeting forward to 9? I have to leave at 11.
The client wants to bring forward the delivery date by two weeks.
Usage note
Careful: 'forward' may suggest 'ileri' in Turkish, but bring forward means earlier, not later. 'İleri bir tarihe ertelemek' is postpone or push back.
Common phrases
bring a meeting forward · bring forward the deadline · bring forward by a week · move up
More about this term →due
adjective
Meaning
Expected or required to happen, arrive or be finished at a particular time; also used for payments that must be made by a certain date.
Where you use it
Very common with deadlines and payments: 'The report is due on Friday', 'The invoice is due in 30 days', 'When is it due?' A 'due date' is the deadline itself. 'Due to' means 'because of' and is a different use.
Examples
The first draft is due next Monday, so let's split the sections today.
Payment is due within 30 days of the invoice date.
Common phrases
due date · due by Friday · due next week · payment due
More about this term →overdue
adjective
Meaning
Not done, paid or returned by the time it was expected; late.
Where you use it
Common with invoices, payments, tasks and reports: 'an overdue invoice', 'This task is two weeks overdue'. It can also mean something should have happened long ago: 'This change is long overdue'.
Examples
We have three overdue invoices from the same customer.
The safety review is long overdue; we haven't done one since 2022.
Common phrases
overdue invoice · overdue payment · two weeks overdue · long overdue
More about this term →call off
phrasal verb
Meaning
To cancel a meeting, event or plan, or to decide to stop something that was going to happen.
Where you use it
Slightly less formal than 'cancel' and very common in speech: 'The meeting's been called off', 'They called off the deal'. It is separable: 'call the meeting off' and 'call off the meeting' are both correct.
Examples
The supplier visit was called off because of the strike.
If we don't get the numbers by Tuesday, we'll have to call off the launch.
Usage note
Do not confuse it with 'call back' (phone someone again) or 'put off' (postpone).
Common phrases
call off a meeting · call off the deal · call off a strike · be called off
More about this term →running late
phrase
Meaning
Behind the planned time, so you will arrive or finish later than expected; used about people, meetings and schedules.
Where you use it
A polite, everyday way to warn people: 'Sorry, I'm running about ten minutes late', 'The previous meeting is running late'. It sounds softer than 'I'm late' because the delay is still going on and you are warning people in advance.
Examples
Hi all, I'm running a few minutes late. Please start without me.
The CEO's interview is running late, so your slot has moved to 3:30.
Common phrases
running a bit late · running ten minutes late · the meeting is running late · running behind
More about this term →prioritize
verb
Meaning
To decide which tasks are most important and deal with them first, or to treat one thing as more important than others.
Where you use it
Used when time or people are limited: 'We need to prioritize', 'Which should I prioritize?' The noun is 'priority': 'top priority', 'high/low priority'. British English also writes 'prioritise'.
Examples
With two people off sick, we'll have to prioritize the most urgent orders.
I can't do both this week. Which one should I prioritize?
Common phrases
prioritize tasks · prioritize the work · top priority · help me prioritize
More about this term →slot
noun
Meaning
A period of time in a schedule that is available for, or has been given to, a meeting, call, presentation or other activity.
Where you use it
Used when arranging times: 'Do you have a free slot on Tuesday?', 'I've booked a 30-minute slot', 'The 10 o'clock slot is taken'. 'Time slot' means the same. At conferences each speaker gets a slot.
Examples
I have a free slot at 2 pm tomorrow. Would that work for you?
Each team gets a ten-minute slot to present its results.
Common phrases
free slot · time slot · book a slot · 30-minute slot · speaking slot
More about this term →milestone
noun
Meaning
An important point or event in a project, used to check progress, such as finishing a design or launching a product.
Where you use it
Used in project plans and status updates: reach, hit or miss a milestone; 'key milestones'; 'milestone payment' (money paid when a stage is completed). Milestones mark points in time, not pieces of work.
Examples
The first milestone is a working prototype by the end of June.
We hit every milestone this year, apart from the system migration.
Common phrases
reach a milestone · key milestone · miss a milestone · milestone payment · project milestones
More about this term →pencil in
phrasal verb
Meaning
To arrange a meeting or event for a certain time, knowing that the plan may still change later.
Where you use it
Informal and useful when nothing is final yet: 'Let's pencil in Thursday at ten', 'I'll pencil you in for the 12th'. It comes from writing in pencil, which can be rubbed out. The time is confirmed later.
Examples
Shall we pencil in a follow-up call for next Wednesday?
I've pencilled in the workshop for 3 May, but I still need to check the room.
Usage note
British spelling: pencilled; American spelling: penciled.
Common phrases
pencil in a meeting · pencil someone in · pencil in a date · pencilled in for Friday
More about this term →deliverable
noun
Meaning
A specific result, document or product that a team has agreed to produce and hand over by a certain date.
Where you use it
Common in project plans, contracts and consulting: 'key deliverables', 'The deliverable is a 20-page report'. It is mostly used in the plural. Clear deliverables help avoid arguments about what was promised.
Examples
The main deliverables for phase one are the user research report and the prototype.
Each deliverable has an owner and a due date in the project plan.
Common phrases
key deliverables · project deliverables · agree the deliverables · deliverables and timelines
More about this term →Company Structure
headquarters
noun
Meaning
The main office of a company or organization, where top management works and the most important decisions are made.
Where you use it
Often shortened to HQ. A company is headquartered in a city; people say 'at headquarters' or 'our HQ in Amsterdam'. Head office means the same in British English.
Examples
The new pricing policy came from headquarters, so we can't change it locally.
The company is headquartered in Munich and has offices in 30 countries.
Usage note
It always ends in -s, even for one office: 'a headquarters', 'Our headquarters is in Paris.' A plural verb ('are') is also accepted.
Common phrases
company headquarters · at headquarters · headquartered in · global headquarters
More about this term →stakeholder
noun
Meaning
A person or group that is affected by a project or company decision, or has an interest in it, such as employees, customers, investors or suppliers.
Where you use it
Very common in project and management talk: key stakeholders, internal and external stakeholders, stakeholder meetings. You keep stakeholders informed, manage their expectations and get their support.
Examples
Before we launch, we need approval from all the key stakeholders.
I'll send a weekly update to stakeholders so nobody is surprised.
Usage note
Do not confuse it with shareholder, someone who owns shares in a company. Every shareholder is a stakeholder, but not every stakeholder is a shareholder.
Common phrases
key stakeholders · internal stakeholders · stakeholder management · keep stakeholders informed
More about this term →report to
phrasal verb
Meaning
To have someone as your direct manager, the person who gives you work, approves your decisions and reviews your performance.
Where you use it
Used to describe reporting lines: 'I report to the head of finance', 'Who does she report to?' In org charts, the people directly below a manager are called their direct reports.
Examples
I report to the regional sales director in Dubai.
In the new structure, the marketing team will report directly to the CEO.
Usage note
This is about who your manager is, not about writing reports: 'I report to Ayşe' means Ayşe is my manager.
Common phrases
report directly to · report to the CEO · reporting line · direct report
More about this term →CEO
abbreviation
Meaning
Short for chief executive officer: the highest-ranking manager in a company, responsible for its overall strategy and results.
Where you use it
Other top titles follow the same pattern: CFO (finance), COO (operations), CTO (technology), CMO (marketing). The CEO usually reports to the board of directors. In the UK, 'managing director' is also used.
Examples
The CEO will announce the new strategy at the all-hands meeting.
She was promoted to CEO after ten years as CFO.
Usage note
The CEO is not the same as the chair (or chairman) of the board, although in some companies one person holds both roles.
Common phrases
CEO of a company · appoint a new CEO · report to the CEO · deputy CEO
More about this term →HR
abbreviation
Meaning
Short for human resources: the department that deals with hiring, contracts, pay, training, leave and employee relations.
Where you use it
Used like a department name: 'talk to HR', 'HR sent an email', 'an HR manager'. Some companies call it People or People and Culture. HR business partners support specific departments.
Examples
You'll need to ask HR about your remaining annual leave.
HR is organizing a training session on the new performance system.
Usage note
Say 'an HR manager', with 'an', because the letter H is pronounced 'aitch', which starts with a vowel sound.
Common phrases
talk to HR · HR department · HR manager · HR policy · HR business partner
More about this term →line manager
noun
Meaning
The person directly above you in a company who assigns your work, approves your leave and reviews your performance.
Where you use it
Mainly British English; American English usually says 'manager', 'direct manager' or 'supervisor'. Common in HR forms and policies: 'Speak to your line manager first.'
Examples
Holiday requests must be approved by your line manager.
My line manager is based in London, so most of our meetings are online.
Common phrases
your line manager · speak to your line manager · line manager approval · line management
More about this term →branch
noun
Meaning
One of the local offices or shops of a larger organization, such as a bank, retailer or service company, in a different town or area.
Where you use it
Used especially for banks, retail and service companies: branch office, branch manager, open a new branch. A branch is part of the same company, unlike a subsidiary, which is a separate legal company.
Examples
The bank is closing ten branches and moving more services online.
She manages our Izmir branch, which has 40 employees.
Common phrases
branch office · branch manager · open a new branch · local branch
More about this term →subsidiary
noun
Meaning
A company that is owned or controlled by another company, called the parent company, but is a separate legal entity.
Where you use it
Common in annual reports and company introductions: 'a wholly owned subsidiary', 'our Turkish subsidiary', 'the parent company and its subsidiaries'. Control usually means owning more than half of the voting shares.
Examples
We're the Turkish subsidiary of a German engineering group.
The parent company has subsidiaries in twelve countries.
Common phrases
wholly owned subsidiary · parent company and subsidiaries · local subsidiary · set up a subsidiary
More about this term →in-house
adjective
Meaning
Done or employed inside a company by its own staff, rather than by an outside supplier or agency.
Where you use it
Used as an adjective ('an in-house legal team', 'in-house training') or an adverb ('We do the design in-house'). The opposite is outsourced or external.
Examples
We have an in-house legal team, so contracts are reviewed quickly.
The app was built in-house, without an agency.
Common phrases
in-house team · in-house training · do something in-house · in-house lawyer
More about this term →outsource
verb
Meaning
To pay an outside company to do work or provide a service that a business used to do, or could do, with its own staff.
Where you use it
Common for IT, payroll, customer service, cleaning and logistics. You outsource something to a provider. The noun is outsourcing. Offshoring means moving work to another country.
Examples
We outsource payroll to an external provider.
The company decided to outsource its customer support to a call centre in Portugal.
Common phrases
outsource something to · outsource IT services · outsourcing partner · outsourced team
More about this term →board of directors
noun
Meaning
The group of people elected by a company's shareholders to oversee its management and make major decisions, such as appointing the CEO.
Where you use it
Often shortened to 'the board': board meeting, board member, 'present to the board'. It is led by a chair (chairman or chairperson). Members can be executives or independent non-executive directors.
Examples
The board of directors approved the acquisition at yesterday's meeting.
She was appointed to the board of directors last year as an independent member.
Usage note
Not to be confused with 'on board', which in office talk means supporting a plan or joining a team: 'Is finance on board?'
Common phrases
board meeting · board member · chair of the board · present to the board · board approval
More about this term →C-suite
noun
Meaning
The group of a company's most senior executives, whose job titles usually begin with 'chief', such as the CEO, CFO and COO.
Where you use it
Used in business news, HR and sales: 'C-suite executives', 'reach the C-suite', 'a C-suite role'. 'C-level' is a common synonym: 'C-level managers'.
Examples
The proposal needs support from the C-suite before it goes to the board.
We're presenting our security plan to the C-suite next week.
Usage note
'Suite' is pronounced like 'sweet', not like 'suit'.
Common phrases
C-suite executives · a C-suite role · reach the C-suite · C-level
More about this term →department
noun
Meaning
One of the main parts of a company or organization, responsible for a particular area of work such as sales, finance or IT.
Where you use it
Used for the formal structure of a company: the finance department, the legal department, head of department. In everyday speech people often say 'team' instead, especially in smaller companies.
Examples
I'll forward your question to the legal department.
Each department has to submit its budget by the end of October.
Common phrases
finance department · head of department · across departments · department meeting
More about this term →head of
phrase
Meaning
A job title for the person in charge of a department, team or function, as in 'Head of Marketing' or 'Head of HR'.
Where you use it
Very common in job titles, email signatures and org charts, especially in British and European companies. In titles it is usually capitalized: 'Head of Sales'. In speech: 'She's the head of our legal team'.
Examples
I've copied in Mark, our Head of Finance, as he'll need to approve the budget.
She was promoted to head of customer service last spring.
Common phrases
Head of Sales · head of department · head of the team · appointed head of
More about this term →team lead
noun
Meaning
The person who guides a small team's daily work and makes sure tasks get done, usually without being a senior manager.
Where you use it
Common in tech, customer service and operations. A team lead often still does hands-on work and may or may not be the line manager. 'Team leader' means the same and is more common in British English.
Examples
Talk to your team lead first if you need to change your shift.
After two years as a developer, Deniz became team lead of the payments team.
Common phrases
team lead role · report to the team lead · act as team lead · technical team lead
More about this term →startup
noun
Meaning
A new, usually small company that is trying to grow quickly, often with a new product or technology and money from investors.
Where you use it
Used about the company and its culture: work at a startup, a tech startup, startup founders. Also written 'start-up', especially in British English. Startups often have flat structures and few formal processes.
Examples
Before joining us, she worked at a fintech startup in Istanbul.
As a startup, we can make decisions much faster than our bigger competitors.
Common phrases
tech startup · startup founder · work at a startup · early-stage startup · startup culture
More about this term →CFO
abbreviation
Meaning
Short for chief financial officer: the senior executive responsible for a company's money, including budgets, accounts, reporting and financial risk.
Where you use it
Part of the C-suite, with the CEO, COO and CTO. The CFO usually reports to the CEO and presents results to the board and investors. Big spending decisions often need 'sign-off from the CFO'.
Examples
The CFO will present the annual results to investors on Tuesday.
Any purchase over 50,000 euros needs the CFO's approval.
Common phrases
the company's CFO · CFO approval · report to the CFO · interim CFO
More about this term →managing director
noun
Meaning
In British and many European companies, the most senior manager who runs the business day to day; often shortened to MD.
Where you use it
Roughly the British equivalent of a CEO, especially in smaller firms or national subsidiaries: 'the MD of our German subsidiary'. In US investment banks and consulting firms, however, 'managing director' is a senior rank held by many people.
Examples
Our managing director will open the conference with a short speech.
She left the bank as a managing director after 15 years.
Common phrases
managing director of the company · appointed managing director · deputy managing director · the MD's office
More about this term →parent company
noun
Meaning
A company that owns or controls one or more other companies, which are called its subsidiaries.
Where you use it
Used to explain who owns whom: 'Our parent company is based in Japan', 'the group's parent company'. A parent company may run its own business or simply hold shares, in which case it is often called a holding company.
Examples
Investment decisions above 1 million dollars are made by the parent company.
We're a subsidiary, so our results are included in the parent company's report.
Common phrases
parent company of · owned by the parent company · parent company in Germany · parent and subsidiary
More about this term →shareholder
noun
Meaning
A person or organization that owns shares in a company and therefore owns part of it.
Where you use it
Used in finance, annual reports and corporate governance: majority shareholder, shareholder meeting, 'return value to shareholders'. American English also says 'stockholder'.
Examples
The founders are still the largest shareholders in the company.
Shareholders will vote on the merger at the annual general meeting.
Usage note
Don't confuse it with 'stakeholder': employees, customers and suppliers are stakeholders but not necessarily shareholders.
Common phrases
majority shareholder · minority shareholder · shareholder meeting · shareholder value
More about this term →org chart
noun
Meaning
Short for organizational chart: a diagram that shows a company's departments and roles, and who reports to whom.
Where you use it
Useful for new employees and when planning changes: 'Where do I sit in the org chart?', 'update the org chart'. A flat organization has few levels of management; a hierarchical one has many.
Examples
According to the org chart, the design team reports to the head of product.
HR will share the new org chart after the restructuring.
Common phrases
company org chart · update the org chart · on the org chart · draw up an org chart
More about this term →Office Idioms and Phrases
touch base
idiom
Meaning
To contact someone briefly to check how things are going or to share a quick update, usually by phone, chat or a short meeting.
Where you use it
Informal but widely used in offices, especially in US-influenced companies: 'Let's touch base next week', 'I wanted to touch base about the launch.' It comes from baseball, where a runner has to touch each base.
Examples
Let's touch base on Friday to see where we are with the proposal.
I just wanted to touch base about next week's visit.
Usage note
There is no 'the': 'touch base' is correct, 'touch the base' is a common mistake.
Common phrases
touch base with someone · touch base about something · touch base next week · a quick touch base
More about this term →heads-up
noun
Meaning
Advance warning or information about something that is going to happen, so the other person can prepare for it.
Where you use it
Informal and very common at work. You give someone a heads-up, or write 'Just a heads-up: …' at the start of a message. It sounds friendly and suggests the news may need some preparation.
Examples
Just a heads-up: the auditors arrive on Monday morning.
Thanks for the heads-up about the price increase.
Can you give me a heads-up before you send it to the client?
Usage note
Shouted as 'Heads up!' without a hyphen, it means 'Watch out!', for example when something is falling.
Common phrases
give someone a heads-up · just a heads-up · thanks for the heads-up · a quick heads-up
More about this term →on the same page
idiom
Meaning
Having the same understanding of a situation, plan or goal as the other people involved.
Where you use it
Very common in meetings and emails, often to check agreement: 'Just to make sure we're on the same page…', 'Let's get everyone on the same page before the client call.' Neutral to informal.
Examples
Before we present to the client, let's make sure we're all on the same page about pricing.
I'm not sure the two teams are on the same page about the deadline.
Common phrases
be on the same page · get everyone on the same page · make sure we're on the same page · not on the same page
More about this term →keep me posted
phrase
Meaning
A friendly request asking someone to tell you about new developments or changes in a situation as they happen.
Where you use it
Very common at the end of emails and chats: 'Keep me posted', 'Please keep us posted on the delivery.' The reply is often 'Will do' or 'I'll keep you posted.' Neutral and polite.
Examples
Thanks for the update. Keep me posted if anything changes.
I'll keep you posted on the customs clearance.
Common phrases
keep you posted · keep us posted · keep someone posted on something · I'll keep you posted
More about this term →ballpark figure
idiom
Meaning
A rough estimate of a number, such as a price or cost, given when the exact figure is not yet known.
Where you use it
Common in early talks with clients and in budgeting: 'Can you give me a ballpark figure?', 'Just a ballpark.' 'In the ballpark' means roughly right. It comes from baseball, where a ballpark is a stadium.
Examples
I know you need to check, but can you give me a ballpark figure for the installation?
A ballpark figure would be around 20,000 dollars, but please don't treat it as a quote.
Common phrases
give a ballpark figure · a rough ballpark figure · in the ballpark · ballpark estimate
More about this term →bandwidth
noun
Meaning
In office talk, the time, energy or capacity that a person or team has available to take on more work.
Where you use it
A figurative use of the technical term for data capacity: 'I don't have the bandwidth for this right now', 'Does your team have the bandwidth to help?' Informal; common in tech and consulting.
Examples
I'd love to help, but I don't have the bandwidth this week.
We need to check whether the team has the bandwidth for another client.
Common phrases
have the bandwidth · no bandwidth · limited bandwidth · bandwidth to take on more
More about this term →circle back
phrasal verb
Meaning
To return to a topic or person later, usually because there is not enough time or information to deal with it now.
Where you use it
A common corporate phrase in meetings and emails: 'Let's circle back to this next week', 'I'll circle back with you once I hear from legal.' Some people find it overused jargon.
Examples
We're out of time, so let's circle back to the budget on Thursday.
I'll circle back with you once I have the final numbers.
Common phrases
circle back to a topic · circle back with someone · circle back next week · let's circle back
More about this term →low-hanging fruit
idiom
Meaning
Tasks, problems or opportunities that are easy to deal with and bring quick results, so they are usually tackled first.
Where you use it
Common in strategy, sales and improvement projects: 'Let's go for the low-hanging fruit first.' The image is fruit on the lowest branches, which is easy to pick. It takes a singular verb: 'the low-hanging fruit is…'.
Examples
Fixing the checkout page is low-hanging fruit; it could raise sales straight away.
We've already picked the low-hanging fruit, so the next savings will be harder.
Common phrases
go for the low-hanging fruit · pick the low-hanging fruit · a lot of low-hanging fruit · low-hanging fruit first
More about this term →get the ball rolling
idiom
Meaning
To start an activity, process or discussion, often by being the first person to do or say something.
Where you use it
Informal and friendly. Common at the start of meetings and projects: 'To get the ball rolling, let's hear from sales.' Variants: 'start the ball rolling' (UK) and 'keep the ball rolling' (keep things moving).
Examples
To get the ball rolling, could each of you share one idea?
Let's get the ball rolling on the new website so we can launch in spring.
Common phrases
get the ball rolling on something · to get the ball rolling · keep the ball rolling · start the ball rolling
More about this term →back to the drawing board
idiom
Meaning
Used when a plan or idea has failed or been rejected and you have to start again and come up with a new one.
Where you use it
Said after a rejection or failure: 'The client hated the concept, so it's back to the drawing board.' Informal but common in meetings. A drawing board is the table designers and architects used for drawing plans.
Examples
Management rejected our plan, so it's back to the drawing board.
If the test results are bad, we'll have to go back to the drawing board.
Common phrases
go back to the drawing board · it's back to the drawing board · send something back to the drawing board
More about this term →drop the ball
idiom
Meaning
To make a mistake by forgetting or failing to do something that you were responsible for.
Where you use it
Informal and often used to admit a mistake: 'Sorry, I dropped the ball on that.' Also used to blame: 'Someone dropped the ball with the shipping documents.' It comes from sports such as baseball and American football.
Examples
I'm sorry, I dropped the ball on the invoice. I'll send it today.
We lost the client because someone dropped the ball on the follow-up.
Common phrases
drop the ball on something · drop the ball with a client · really dropped the ball · don't drop the ball
More about this term →on my radar
idiom
Meaning
Describing something you know about and are paying attention to, even if you are not working on it right now.
Where you use it
Common in status talks: 'It's on my radar', 'Is this on your radar?', 'That wasn't on our radar.' The pronoun changes to fit the speaker. 'Under the radar' means unnoticed.
Examples
Don't worry about the contract renewal; it's on my radar.
Is the new data protection rule on your radar? It starts in January.
Common phrases
on your radar · put something on someone's radar · off the radar · under the radar
More about this term →up to speed
phrase
Meaning
Having all the latest information about a situation or task, or able to work at the expected level after a period of learning.
Where you use it
Mostly in two patterns: 'bring someone up to speed' (update them) and 'get up to speed' (learn what you need). Used when someone joins a project, comes back from leave or misses a meeting.
Examples
Can you bring Elif up to speed on the project before Monday's meeting?
It took me about a month to get up to speed with the new system.
Common phrases
bring someone up to speed · get up to speed · up to speed on something · keep someone up to speed
More about this term →on board
phrase
Meaning
Supporting a plan or decision and willing to take part in it; also used to say that someone has joined a team or company.
Where you use it
Common patterns: 'get someone on board' (win their support), 'Is finance on board?', and 'Welcome on board!' or 'Welcome aboard!' for new colleagues. It comes from being on a ship or plane.
Examples
We need to get the regional managers on board before we announce the change.
Is legal on board with the new contract template?
Common phrases
get someone on board · be on board with something · welcome on board · bring someone on board
More about this term →ping
verb
Meaning
To send someone a short message, usually by chat or email, to ask something or to remind them about something.
Where you use it
Informal and very common in tech and office chat: 'I'll ping you the link', 'Ping me if you need anything'. It can also be a noun: 'Send me a ping'. Avoid it in formal writing to clients or senior people you don't know.
Examples
I'll ping you the meeting notes as soon as I've cleaned them up.
If you don't hear from the supplier by Friday, ping them again.
Common phrases
ping someone · ping me · send a ping · ping someone about something
More about this term →sign off on
phrasal verb
Meaning
To give official approval to a plan, document, budget or piece of work so that it can go ahead.
Where you use it
Common when decisions need a manager's approval: 'The CFO has to sign off on the budget', 'Who signs off on this?' The noun is 'sign-off': 'We're waiting for sign-off from legal'. 'Sign off' alone can also mean ending an email or a working day.
Examples
Marketing has signed off on the new logo, so we can start printing.
I can't sign off on these figures until I've seen the receipts.
Common phrases
sign off on the budget · sign off on a decision · get sign-off · final sign-off
More about this term →on the back burner
idiom
Meaning
Postponed or given low priority for now, so that it can be dealt with later when there is more time or money.
Where you use it
Usually with 'put': 'We've put the app redesign on the back burner'. It suggests that the idea is not dead, only waiting. It comes from cooking: on a stove, the back burner keeps a pot warm while you focus on the front.
Examples
The new office project is on the back burner until sales pick up.
We had to put the training plan on the back burner during the audit.
Common phrases
put something on the back burner · on the back burner for now · move something to the back burner
More about this term →hit the ground running
idiom
Meaning
To start a new job or project quickly and effectively, without needing a long time to learn or prepare.
Where you use it
Very common in job ads, interviews and onboarding: 'We need someone who can hit the ground running'. Managers use it when they expect fast results from a new hire or a new team.
Examples
Thanks to her experience in Asia, she was able to hit the ground running.
We want the new team to hit the ground running in January, so training starts in December.
Common phrases
ready to hit the ground running · need to hit the ground running · able to hit the ground running
More about this term →learning curve
noun
Meaning
The rate at which someone learns a new skill, job or system; a steep learning curve means there is a lot to learn in a short time.
Where you use it
Mostly in 'a steep learning curve', said about new jobs, tools and markets. In interviews it often sounds positive: 'It was a steep learning curve, but I learned a lot'.
Examples
The new ERP system has a steep learning curve, so we've planned extra training.
Moving from engineering to sales was a big learning curve for me.
Common phrases
steep learning curve · on a learning curve · a big learning curve · shorten the learning curve
More about this term →pick your brain
idiom
Meaning
To ask someone who knows a lot about a subject for information or advice, usually in an informal way.
Where you use it
A friendly way to ask an expert colleague for help: 'Could I pick your brain about the German market?' The general form is 'pick someone's brain(s)'. It is polite, but busy experts may tire of frequent requests.
Examples
Do you have ten minutes? I'd love to pick your brain about pricing.
Can I pick your brain over coffee? You've done more of these audits than anyone.
Common phrases
pick your brain about something · pick someone's brains · can I pick your brain · pick your brain over coffee
More about this term →the ball is in your court
idiom
Meaning
It is now your turn to act or decide, because the other side has already done what they needed to do.
Where you use it
Common in negotiations and projects after an offer, proposal or reply: 'We've sent our offer; the ball is in their court now'. The pronoun changes: in your, their or our court. It comes from tennis.
Examples
I've answered all your questions, so the ball is in your court.
We've done our part. The ball's in your court: let us know by Friday if you accept the terms.
Common phrases
the ball is in their court · put the ball in their court · the ball's in your court now
More about this term →deep dive
noun
Meaning
A detailed study or discussion of one topic, problem or set of data that goes much further than a normal review.
Where you use it
Popular in consulting, tech and management: 'do a deep dive into the numbers', 'a deep-dive session'. It is often a separate meeting after a high-level overview.
Examples
Let's do a deep dive into last quarter's customer complaints.
This is just an overview; we'll have a deep dive on pricing next Tuesday.
Common phrases
do a deep dive · deep dive into something · deep-dive session · a deep dive on pricing
More about this term →Numbers and Money
budget
noun
Meaning
The amount of money that a company, team or project plans to spend over a period of time, or the plan that shows this.
Where you use it
You set, approve, cut or increase a budget, and a project can be on, under or over budget. Managers ask whether something is 'in the budget', and 'on a tight budget' means with little money.
Examples
The marketing budget for next year has been cut by 15 percent.
We finished the project two weeks early and under budget.
Common phrases
approve the budget · over budget · under budget · tight budget · budget for something
More about this term →invoice
noun
Meaning
A document sent by a seller that lists the goods or services provided and states how much the buyer must pay and by when.
Where you use it
You issue, send, receive, approve and pay an invoice. It is also a verb: 'We'll invoice you at the end of the month'. Invoices usually have a number, a due date and payment terms such as 'net 30'.
Examples
Could you send the invoice to our accounts team rather than to me?
Please include the invoice number in your payment reference.
Usage note
An invoice asks for payment; a receipt shows that payment has been made.
Common phrases
send an invoice · pay an invoice · invoice number · issue an invoice · unpaid invoice
More about this term →quarter
noun
Meaning
One of the four three-month periods into which a company divides its financial year, often written Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4.
Where you use it
Central to reporting and planning: 'in the third quarter', 'Q2 results', 'last quarter', 'quarter-on-quarter growth'. A company's quarters follow its financial year, which does not always start in January.
Examples
Sales in the fourth quarter were the highest in the company's history.
We plan to launch the app at the end of the quarter.
Common phrases
first quarter · last quarter · quarterly results · end of the quarter · Q3 targets
More about this term →figures
noun
Meaning
Numbers that show amounts, results or statistics, especially official numbers about sales, costs or performance.
Where you use it
Usually plural in business: 'sales figures', 'the latest figures', 'the figures for March'. You check, compare and publish figures; to 'crunch the figures' is to calculate and analyse them. 'In double figures' means between 10 and 99.
Examples
The sales figures for March are much better than we expected.
Can you double-check these figures before the report goes to the board?
Common phrases
sales figures · latest figures · crunch the figures · official figures · in double figures
More about this term →revenue
noun
Meaning
The total amount of money a company receives from selling its goods or services in a period, before any costs are taken away.
Where you use it
A headline number in reports and presentations: 'Revenue grew by 12%', 'annual revenue', 'revenue stream'. Do not mix it up with profit, which is what is left after costs. 'Sales' is often used with the same meaning.
Examples
Revenue rose to 40 million euros this year, but profit fell.
Online sales now make up a third of our total revenue.
Common phrases
annual revenue · revenue growth · generate revenue · revenue stream · boost revenue
More about this term →profit
noun
Meaning
The money a business has left after it pays all its costs; if the costs are higher than the income, the result is a loss.
Where you use it
You make, increase or report a profit; a business can be 'in profit' or 'make a loss'. 'Gross profit' is sales minus the direct cost of what was sold; 'net profit' is what remains after all costs and tax. The adjective is 'profitable'.
Examples
The company made a profit of 2 million dollars in its first full year.
Higher energy costs have hit our profits this quarter.
Common phrases
make a profit · net profit · gross profit · profit margin · profit and loss
More about this term →estimate
noun
Meaning
A careful guess at a number, cost or amount of time, based on the information you have; also a written statement of the likely price of a job.
Where you use it
Used in planning and with suppliers: 'a rough estimate', 'Can you give me an estimate?', 'Our estimate is six weeks'. An estimate can change later, while a quote is usually a fixed price.
Examples
Our best estimate is that the project will take four months.
We asked three agencies for an estimate before choosing one.
Usage note
The noun ends in /ət/ (EST-i-mət); the verb 'to estimate' ends in /eɪt/ (EST-i-mate).
Common phrases
rough estimate · give an estimate · conservative estimate · cost estimate · best estimate
More about this term →forecast
noun
Meaning
A statement of what is expected to happen in the future, especially to sales, costs or demand, based on current data and trends.
Where you use it
Finance and sales teams prepare, revise and beat forecasts: 'sales forecast', 'We're ahead of forecast'. It is also a verb, and the past form is usually 'forecast': 'Sales are forecast to grow'.
Examples
We've revised our sales forecast down because of weaker demand in Europe.
The forecast for next quarter assumes no change in exchange rates.
Common phrases
sales forecast · revise the forecast · ahead of forecast · beat the forecast · forecast for next year
More about this term →year on year
phrase
Meaning
Compared with the same period one year earlier; often shortened to YoY in reports and slides.
Where you use it
Used to show growth without the effect of seasons: 'Sales rose 8% year on year', 'year-on-year growth' (with hyphens before a noun). American English often says 'year over year'.
Examples
Online revenue grew 15% year on year in the third quarter.
Year-on-year, our energy costs are down by almost a fifth.
Common phrases
year-on-year growth · up 5% year on year · year-on-year comparison · YoY change
More about this term →turnover
noun
Meaning
In British English, the total value of the sales a company makes in a period; also the rate at which employees leave and are replaced.
Where you use it
Context decides the meaning: 'an annual turnover of £5 million' (sales) versus 'high staff turnover' (people leaving). Americans normally say 'revenue' or 'sales' for the money meaning and use 'turnover' mainly for staff.
Examples
The company has an annual turnover of around 20 million pounds.
Staff turnover in the call centre fell after we introduced flexible shifts.
Usage note
Turkish 'ciro' matches the British sales meaning, but in a US company 'turnover' will usually be understood as staff turnover.
Common phrases
annual turnover · staff turnover · high turnover · turnover of £1 million
More about this term →Working Life
colleague
noun
Meaning
A person you work with, especially someone in the same company or the same profession as you.
Where you use it
Neutral and polite, so it works in emails, meetings and introductions. 'Co-worker' is common in American English and slightly more informal. 'My colleague Ayşe will send you the details' is a typical way to introduce someone.
Examples
I'll check with my colleagues in the finance team and get back to you.
Please welcome our new colleague, Daniel, who joins us from the Berlin office.
Usage note
Two syllables, KOL-eeg: the final -ue is silent.
Common phrases
a colleague of mine · work colleague · senior colleague · colleagues in the team
More about this term →work from home
phrase
Meaning
To do your job at home instead of at the office, usually using a laptop, email and video calls; often shortened to WFH.
Where you use it
Very common since many companies moved to hybrid working: 'I'm working from home today', 'Can I work from home on Friday?', 'WFH days'. 'Remote work' usually means working away from the office all or most of the time.
Examples
I'm working from home tomorrow, but I'll join the meeting on video.
Everyone in our team can work from home two days a week.
Usage note
In English, a 'home office' is a room in your house (and, in the UK, the name of a government ministry). The Turkish phrase 'home office yapmak' is 'work from home'.
Common phrases
work from home on Fridays · working from home today · WFH policy · work-from-home day
More about this term →promotion
noun
Meaning
A move to a more senior job or position in the same organization, usually with more responsibility and higher pay.
Where you use it
You get, earn, are up for, or are passed over for a promotion. The verb is 'promote': 'She was promoted to senior analyst'. In marketing, 'promotion' also means advertising or a special offer, so context matters.
Examples
Congratulations on your promotion! You really deserve it.
He got his promotion to regional manager after only three years.
Common phrases
get a promotion · up for promotion · promotion to manager · be passed over for promotion
More about this term →resign
verb
Meaning
To tell your employer officially that you are leaving your job, usually in writing and after giving the required notice.
Where you use it
You resign from a job or position; the noun is 'resignation': 'hand in your resignation', 'resignation letter'. 'Quit' is the informal verb. After resigning you usually work a notice period.
Examples
She resigned last month to start her own consulting business.
If you decide to resign, please give us at least four weeks' notice.
Usage note
The g is silent: ri-ZINE. With a hyphen, 're-sign' means to sign again, for example a contract.
Common phrases
resign from a job · hand in your resignation · resignation letter · resign with immediate effect
More about this term →annual leave
noun
Meaning
The paid days off work that an employee is entitled to each year, often used for holidays.
Where you use it
Mostly British; Americans usually say 'vacation' or 'PTO' (paid time off). You take, book or request annual leave, and you are 'on leave'. 'I've got five days of annual leave left' is a typical sentence.
Examples
I'm on annual leave from 5 to 16 August, with limited access to email.
Please request annual leave through the HR system at least two weeks in advance.
Usage note
In British English 'holiday' can mean annual leave ('I'm on holiday next week'); in American English 'holiday' usually means a public holiday.
Common phrases
take annual leave · on annual leave · book annual leave · days of annual leave · annual leave allowance
More about this term →performance review
noun
Meaning
A regular meeting in which a manager and an employee discuss the employee's work, results and goals, often once or twice a year.
Where you use it
Often linked to pay rises, bonuses and promotion. You have, prepare for or conduct a performance review. British companies may call it an 'appraisal'; some also collect '360-degree feedback' from colleagues.
Examples
My performance review is next week, so I'm listing what I achieved this year.
Bonuses are decided after the annual performance reviews in January.
Common phrases
annual performance review · mid-year performance review · prepare for a performance review · conduct a performance review
More about this term →overtime
noun
Meaning
Time worked beyond your normal working hours, or the extra money paid for that time.
Where you use it
You work, do or get paid overtime; 'unpaid overtime' is common in office jobs. Rules on overtime pay depend on the country and the contract. As an adverb: 'We worked overtime to finish the audit'.
Examples
The warehouse team has been doing a lot of overtime since the sale started.
Is overtime paid, or do we get time off instead?
Common phrases
work overtime · do overtime · paid overtime · unpaid overtime · overtime pay
More about this term →workload
noun
Meaning
The amount of work that a person or a team has to do in a given period of time.
Where you use it
Often discussed in one-to-ones: a heavy, light or manageable workload; reduce or share the workload. 'I have a lot on my plate' or 'I don't have the bandwidth' are softer ways to say your workload is too high.
Examples
My workload is very heavy this month, so I can't take on the new project.
We're hiring two more analysts to spread the workload.
Common phrases
heavy workload · manageable workload · reduce the workload · share the workload
More about this term →onboarding
noun
Meaning
The process of welcoming new employees and helping them learn the company's systems, people and way of working.
Where you use it
Run by HR and line managers: onboarding plan, onboarding week, onboarding buddy. The verb is 'onboard': 'We onboarded six new hires'. Sales and software teams use the same word for new customers.
Examples
Your first week is onboarding: system training, meetings with each team and a site visit.
Good onboarding helps new hires become productive much faster.
Common phrases
onboarding process · onboarding plan · onboarding buddy · employee onboarding · customer onboarding
More about this term →Business Travel and Events
business trip
noun
Meaning
A journey you make for your job, for example to visit clients, attend a conference or work in another office.
Where you use it
You go on, plan or come back from a business trip; 'I'm away on business' means the same. The company usually pays for travel and hotels under its travel policy, and you claim other costs on an expense report.
Examples
I'll be on a business trip to Milan next week, so I may be slow to reply.
Business trips over three days need approval from your manager.
Usage note
Say 'go on a business trip', not 'go to a business trip'.
Common phrases
go on a business trip · be on a business trip · short business trip · business trip abroad
More about this term →book
verb
Meaning
To arrange to have or use something at a future time, such as a flight, a hotel room, a meeting room or an appointment.
Where you use it
Very common at work: book a flight, a hotel, a table or a meeting room; book time in someone's calendar. 'Fully booked' means no places are left. The noun is 'booking' (mainly British) or 'reservation'.
Examples
Could you book a meeting room for ten people on Thursday morning?
I've booked your flight to Frankfurt and a hotel near the trade fair.
Common phrases
book a flight · book a meeting room · book a hotel · fully booked · book in advance
More about this term →receipt
noun
Meaning
A piece of paper or an email that proves you have paid for something, showing what you bought, the price and the date.
Where you use it
Essential on business trips: keep your receipts for taxis, meals and hotels to claim the money back. Finance teams may reject expenses 'without a receipt'. 'Acknowledge receipt' in formal emails means 'confirm you received it'.
Examples
Please attach all receipts to your expense report, including taxi receipts.
I lost the hotel receipt, so I've asked them to email me a copy.
Usage note
The p is silent: ri-SEET.
Common phrases
keep the receipt · ask for a receipt · original receipt · receipt for something · acknowledge receipt
More about this term →jet lag
noun
Meaning
The tiredness and confusion you feel after flying across several time zones, because your body clock has not yet adjusted.
Where you use it
Common after long-haul business trips: 'I'm still jet-lagged', 'I'm suffering from jet lag'. Travellers often avoid important meetings on the day they arrive. The adjective is 'jet-lagged'.
Examples
I landed in Tokyo this morning, so excuse me if the jet lag shows.
Let's move the meeting to Wednesday so the team has a day to get over the jet lag.
Common phrases
suffer from jet lag · get over jet lag · jet-lagged · bad jet lag
More about this term →accommodation
noun
Meaning
A place to stay, such as a hotel room or an apartment, especially when you are travelling.
Where you use it
Used in travel policies and event information: 'Accommodation is included', 'book accommodation', 'accommodation costs'. In British English it is uncountable; American English often uses the plural 'accommodations'.
Examples
Travel and accommodation will be paid for by the organisers.
Please book your accommodation early; hotels near the venue fill up fast.
Usage note
Spelled with a double c and a double m: accommodation.
Common phrases
book accommodation · accommodation costs · hotel accommodation · travel and accommodation
More about this term →expense report
noun
Meaning
A form or online report that lists the work-related money you have spent, with receipts, so that the company can pay you back.
Where you use it
You submit, approve or reject an expense report. British companies often say 'expense claim' or just 'expenses': 'I need to do my expenses'. Most firms set a deadline, such as 30 days after the trip.
Examples
Please submit your expense report with all receipts by the end of the month.
My expense report was rejected because the taxi receipt was missing.
Common phrases
submit an expense report · approve an expense report · expense claim · fill in an expense report
More about this term →itinerary
noun
Meaning
A detailed plan of a journey that lists flights, hotels, meetings and times, usually sent before a trip.
Where you use it
Travel agents and assistants send, confirm or change an itinerary. A full itinerary helps colleagues know where you are and how to reach you during a business trip.
Examples
I've emailed you the itinerary: you fly out on Monday and meet the client on Tuesday.
There's a mistake in my itinerary; the hotel is booked for the wrong night.
Usage note
The stress is on the second syllable: eye-TIN-er-ary.
Common phrases
travel itinerary · send the itinerary · change the itinerary · detailed itinerary
More about this term →reimburse
verb
Meaning
To pay back money that someone has spent, especially money spent on work-related costs such as travel or meals.
Where you use it
Formal and common in HR and finance: 'You will be reimbursed for travel costs', 'reimburse someone for something'. The noun is 'reimbursement'. In everyday speech people say 'pay back' or 'get the money back'.
Examples
Candidates will be reimbursed for travel to the interview.
Finance usually reimburses expenses within two weeks of approval.
Common phrases
reimburse someone for something · be reimbursed · reimburse expenses · fully reimbursed
More about this term →networking
noun
Meaning
Meeting and talking to people in your industry, for example at conferences and events, to build useful professional relationships.
Where you use it
A main reason to attend conferences and trade fairs: 'networking event', 'networking opportunities', 'networking drinks'. The verb is 'network': 'She networked with other buyers'. LinkedIn is the main tool for online networking.
Examples
The best part of the conference was the networking in the evening.
There's a networking session after the panel, so bring your business cards.
Common phrases
networking event · networking opportunities · do some networking · networking session
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