Leadership Idioms: 10 Common Idioms about Leadership
After The Lord Mayor’S Show
Definition:
Anticlimactic; occurring after something impressive
For example:
The tournament finals were OK, but they had the feeling of being after the Lord Mayor’s show—the big upset in the semifinals were all anyone was talking about.
Ahead Of One’S Time
Definition:
Offering ideas not yet in general circulation; highly creative
For example:
Cynthia’s management style seems crazy sometimes, but think about it some more. She might be ahead of her time.
Ahead Of The Curve
Definition:
Offering ideas not yet in general circulation; highly creative
Above average; generally performing well.
For example:
Indonesia has a group of young, creative mayors who are ahead of the curve in terms of urban management.
(To Be at Someone’s) Beck And Call
Definition:
To be under someone’s total command, to be forced to fulfill someone’s orders or whims
For example:
I spent three years at the boss’s beck and call. At least he paid me well.
(The) Man
Definition:
The boss; authority in general
For example:
Did you know our old Indonesian teacher is working for the American military? I wonder how she likes working for The Man.
Rake Someone Over the Coals
Definition:
Scold severely
For example:
My boss really raked me over the coals today about being late to work. I need to buy an alarm clock.
The Powers That Be
Definition:
People in charge, often used when the speaker does not want to identify them
For example:
You want to schedule your vacation for next month? I’ll check with the powers that be.
Too Many Chiefs and Not Enough Indians
Definition:
Everyone wants to be a leader, and no one wants to do the actual work
For example:
Everyone wanted credit for the project and tried to take on a supervisory role. So the project never got done. It was too many chiefs and not enough Indians.
Cut Someone Some Slack
Definition:
Avoid treating someone strictly or severely
For example:
Reynaldo has been on the job for only two weeks. It’s natural that he would make mistakes. Cut him some slack.
Big Picture
Definition:
A wide perspective; a broad view of something
For example:
Don’t get bogged down in the details. Keep the big picture in mind.
