Business jargon and clichés can make you confusing

Anuj Agarwal
4 min readFeb 17, 2023

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Overused buzzwords and phrases used to feel fresh but they long ago lost their creativity and impact. If you’re in a meeting and someone says to “think outside the box,” does it really make you stop thinking inside the box? No. No it does not.

Top 20 Business jargon and clichés

  1. “Synergize” — This refers to the idea of combining different elements to create something greater than the sum of its parts.
  2. “Low-hanging fruit” — This means to focus on the easiest tasks or opportunities for quick wins.
  3. “Win-win situation” — This refers to a situation where both parties involved benefit from the outcome.
  4. “Paradigm shift” — This means to change the way of thinking or approach to a problem.
  5. “Circle back” — This means to revisit a topic or conversation at a later time.
  6. “Moving the needle” — This refers to making a measurable impact or progress in a certain area.
  7. “Best practices” — This refers to established methods or techniques that have proven to be effective.
  8. “Pushing the envelope” — This means to exceed the limits of what is normally accepted or expected.
  9. “Putting out fires” — This refers to dealing with unexpected problems or crisis situations.
  10. “Leaving no stone unturned” — This means to consider every possible option or solution.
  11. “Keeping your eye on the prize” — This means to stay focused on the ultimate goal or objective.
  12. “Taking it to the next level” — This means to elevate or improve a situation beyond its current state.
  13. “Going the extra mile” — This means to put in extra effort or work beyond what is expected.
  14. “A level playing field” — This means to create fair and equal opportunities for everyone.
  15. “Putting your money where your mouth is” — This means to back up your words with actions.
  16. “Touch base” — This means to check in or follow up with someone.
  17. “Driving results” — This means to focus on achieving specific outcomes or goals.
  18. “Playing devil’s advocate” — This means to take a contrarian viewpoint to challenge assumptions and find flaws in a plan.
  19. “Don’t reinvent the wheel” — This means to use existing solutions or methods rather than starting from scratch.
  20. “Raising the bar” — This means to set higher standards or expectations for performance or outcomes.

The below list of Confusing Cliches.

  1. “Think outside the box” — This phrase has been used so often that it has become a cliche, and may no longer inspire people to think creatively.
  2. “Let’s touch base” — This phrase has become overused and may not accurately convey what the speaker intends.
  3. “Take it to the next level” — This phrase has become so common that it may not convey a clear sense of what needs to be done.
  4. “Move the goalposts” — This phrase can be seen as manipulative and unfair, and may undermine trust.
  5. “Hit the ground running” — This phrase may put undue pressure on new employees and can be difficult to achieve.
  6. “Win the day” — This phrase may not accurately reflect the long-term goals of a business or organization.
  7. “Get on the same page” — This phrase may not accurately reflect the need for open and honest communication.
  8. “Get our ducks in a row” — This phrase may be seen as overly simplistic and may not accurately reflect the complexity of a situation.
  9. “Pick your brain” — This phrase may come across as manipulative and may not accurately reflect a desire for genuine collaboration.
  10. “Leverage our synergies” — This phrase may sound overly corporate and may not accurately reflect a genuine desire for collaboration.
  11. “At the end of the day” — This phrase has become overused and may not accurately reflect the complexity of a situation.
  12. “Low-hanging fruit” — This phrase may not accurately reflect the long-term goals of a business or organization.
  13. “Value-add” — This phrase may not accurately reflect the specific benefits or value that a business or product can offer.
  14. “Raise the bar” — This phrase has become overused and may not accurately reflect the specific goals or expectations.
  15. “Open the kimono” — This phrase may be seen as insensitive or disrespectful, and may undermine trust.
  16. “Make hay while the sun shines” — This phrase may not accurately reflect the specific goals or expectations.
  17. “On the same wavelength” — This phrase may not accurately reflect the need for open and honest communication.
  18. “Throwing spaghetti against the wall” — This phrase may be seen as wasteful and may not accurately reflect a desire for genuine collaboration.
  19. “Boil the ocean” — This phrase may be seen as unrealistic and may not accurately reflect the specific goals or expectations.
  20. “Avoid the 800-pound gorilla in the room” — This phrase may be seen as disrespectful or insensitive, and may undermine trust.

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Anuj Agarwal
Anuj Agarwal

Written by Anuj Agarwal

Director - Technology at Natwest. Product Manager and Technologist who loves to solve problems with innovative technological solutions.

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