Top 10 most overheard phrases in the office

Office cultures may differ, but certain phrases echo across all workplaces. Here are the most overheard ones that we can’t help but smile (and sometimes cringe) at.

Every office has its own rhythm, and with it comes a unique vocabulary that seems to echo through hallways, meeting rooms, and online communication platforms alike. These phrases, often repeated with unwavering enthusiasm — or exasperation — are a blend of corporate jargon, motivational mantras, and downright clichés.  

From the ever popular '"Let’s circle back" to the dreaded "Per my last email", these sayings are as much a part of office culture as coffee breaks and deadline rushes. Here’s a light-hearted look at the top 10 most overheard phrases in the workplace that we have come up with and that you’ve probably heard (or even said) a hundred times before. 

"Let’s circle back on that."

Translation: "We don’t know the answer yet."

"Can you jump on a quick call?" 

Translation: "This meeting will last at least 30 minutes." 

"It’s in the cloud!" 

Translation: "I have no idea where it actually is."

"This should be an easy fix."

Translation: "We’ll need IT on this for a week." 

"Who brought donuts?" (or in the case of our office, it's mostly "Who brought chocolates?")

Translation: Instant morale booster. 

"I’ll have that to you by EOD." 

Translation: "Expect it tomorrow."

"Sorry, I was on mute." 

Translation: Universal remote work struggle. 

"Let’s take this offline."

Translation: "I don’t want to argue about this in front of everyone." 

"Can you see my screen?"

Translation: The new "Can you hear me now?" of video calls. 

"We need to think outside the box." 

Translation: "No one has a clue how to solve this." 

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