Business jargon and clichés can make you confusing
4 min readFeb 17, 2023
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
- “Synergize” — This refers to the idea of combining different elements to create something greater than the sum of its parts.
- “Low-hanging fruit” — This means to focus on the easiest tasks or opportunities for quick wins.
- “Win-win situation” — This refers to a situation where both parties involved benefit from the outcome.
- “Paradigm shift” — This means to change the way of thinking or approach to a problem.
- “Circle back” — This means to revisit a topic or conversation at a later time.
- “Moving the needle” — This refers to making a measurable impact or progress in a certain area.
- “Best practices” — This refers to established methods or techniques that have proven to be effective.
- “Pushing the envelope” — This means to exceed the limits of what is normally accepted or expected.
- “Putting out fires” — This refers to dealing with unexpected problems or crisis situations.
- “Leaving no stone unturned” — This means to consider every possible option or solution.
- “Keeping your eye on the prize” — This means to stay focused on the ultimate goal or objective.
- “Taking it to the next level” — This means to elevate or improve a situation beyond its current state.
- “Going the extra mile” — This means to put in extra effort or work beyond what is expected.
- “A level playing field” — This means to create fair and equal opportunities for everyone.
- “Putting your money where your mouth is” — This means to back up your words with actions.
- “Touch base” — This means to check in or follow up with someone.
- “Driving results” — This means to focus on achieving specific outcomes or goals.
- “Playing devil’s advocate” — This means to take a contrarian viewpoint to challenge assumptions and find flaws in a plan.
- “Don’t reinvent the wheel” — This means to use existing solutions or methods rather than starting from scratch.
- “Raising the bar” — This means to set higher standards or expectations for performance or outcomes.
The below list of Confusing Cliches.
- “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.
- “Let’s touch base” — This phrase has become overused and may not accurately convey what the speaker intends.
- “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.
- “Move the goalposts” — This phrase can be seen as manipulative and unfair, and may undermine trust.
- “Hit the ground running” — This phrase may put undue pressure on new employees and can be difficult to achieve.
- “Win the day” — This phrase may not accurately reflect the long-term goals of a business or organization.
- “Get on the same page” — This phrase may not accurately reflect the need for open and honest communication.
- “Get our ducks in a row” — This phrase may be seen as overly simplistic and may not accurately reflect the complexity of a situation.
- “Pick your brain” — This phrase may come across as manipulative and may not accurately reflect a desire for genuine collaboration.
- “Leverage our synergies” — This phrase may sound overly corporate and may not accurately reflect a genuine desire for collaboration.
- “At the end of the day” — This phrase has become overused and may not accurately reflect the complexity of a situation.
- “Low-hanging fruit” — This phrase may not accurately reflect the long-term goals of a business or organization.
- “Value-add” — This phrase may not accurately reflect the specific benefits or value that a business or product can offer.
- “Raise the bar” — This phrase has become overused and may not accurately reflect the specific goals or expectations.
- “Open the kimono” — This phrase may be seen as insensitive or disrespectful, and may undermine trust.
- “Make hay while the sun shines” — This phrase may not accurately reflect the specific goals or expectations.
- “On the same wavelength” — This phrase may not accurately reflect the need for open and honest communication.
- “Throwing spaghetti against the wall” — This phrase may be seen as wasteful and may not accurately reflect a desire for genuine collaboration.
- “Boil the ocean” — This phrase may be seen as unrealistic and may not accurately reflect the specific goals or expectations.
- “Avoid the 800-pound gorilla in the room” — This phrase may be seen as disrespectful or insensitive, and may undermine trust.