English idioms - employment/jobs

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English idioms relating to EMPLOYMENT - JOBS

Above and beyond the call of duty	If a person does something which is above and beyond the call of duty, they show a greater degree of courage or effort than is usually required or expected in their job. "The fire-fighter received a medal for his action which went above and beyond the call of duty
Back-room boys	This term refers to people who do important work but have no contact with the public. "Back-room boys don't always receive the credit they deserve for their work."
The cream of the crop	This expression is used to refer to the best people or things in a particular group. "As usual, the cream of the crop of this year's graduates were offered the best jobs."
Dead wood	The term dead wood refers to people or things which are no longer considered useful or necessary. "The new manager wants to reduce costs by cutting out the dead wood."
Dream ticket	If you refer to two people as a dream ticket, you think they would work well together and be successful. "Clinton and Obama teaming up for the general election would be a dream ticket for many Democrats."
Firing line	Someone who is in the firing line is in a position to be criticized because of their responsibilities or the position they hold. "The managing director of the bank is in the firing line since the fraud was discovered."
Golden handshake	A golden handshake is a generous sum of money given to a person when they leave a company or retire (sometimes given to encourage early retirement).
Golden parachute	A golden parachute is a clause in an executive's employment contract stating that the executive will receive certain large benefits if their employment is terminated.
Learn the ropes	If you learn the ropes, you learn how to a particular job correctly.
Paid peanuts	If you are paid peanuts, you have a very low salary. "Anne has a very interesting job but she's paid peanuts. Her salary is very low. "
Play second fiddle	If you play second fiddle to somebody, you accept to be second in importance to that person, or have a lower position.
Separate the sheep from the goats	If you separate the sheep from the goats, you examine a group of people and decide which are good and which are not so good. "Examining job applications is the first stage in separating the sheep from the goats.
Shape up or ship out	This expression is used to warn someone that if they do not improve, they will have to leave their job. "When Tom started neglecting the customers, he was told to shape up or ship out."
Show somebody the ropes	If you show someone the ropes, you teach or explain to them how to do a particular job. "The manager is busy showing the ropes to two new trainees."
Tricks of the trade	This expression refers to a clever or expert way of doing things, especially in a job. "He's a tough negotiator; he knows all the tricks of the trade."
Waiting in the wings	If someone is waiting in the wings, they are waiting for an opportunity to take action, especially to replace someone else in their job or position. "There are many young actors waiting in the wings, ready to show their talent."
Walking papers	If you are given your walking papers, your contract or a relationship is ended. "After causing a diplomatic incident, Carter got his walking papers."
Worth one's salt	This expression is used to say that a person who does their job well would or would not do certain things. "Any inspector worth his salt would have the checked the papers carefully."
Xerox subsidy	This term refers to the habit of using the photocopier at work for personal use. "A certain percentage of photocopies are in fact xerox subsidies."

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