1. A Piece of Cake
This idiom means that something is very easy or simple. For example, when you’ve been working as a technician for years, fabricating a retainer is a piece of cake for you.
2. In the Same Boat
When you and someone else are facing the same situation or problem, you’re in the same boat. For instance, if you and your colleague are both struggling with a difficult case, you can say, ‘We’re in the same boat, let’s figure it out together.’
3. Break the Ice
This idiom means to initiate a conversation or to make people feel more comfortable in a social setting. For example, when attending a conference, you can break the ice by asking someone about their area of expertise.
4. On the Same Page
When everyone is in agreement or has the same understanding about something, they’re on the same page. In a laboratory, it’s crucial that the entire team is on the same page when it comes to following protocols.
5. Keep an Eye on
To keep an eye on something means to monitor or watch it closely. As a technician, you need to keep an eye on the progress of a case to ensure everything is going smoothly.
6. Hit the Nail on the Head
When someone says or does something that is exactly right or accurate, they’ve hit the nail on the head. For example, if a colleague suggests a solution that perfectly addresses a problem, you can say, ‘You’ve hit the nail on the head.’
7. Learn the Ropes
This idiom means to learn or understand the basics or essentials of something. When you start a new job, it takes time to learn the ropes and become familiar with the processes and procedures.
8. Go the Extra Mile
To go the extra mile means to put in extra effort or do more than what is expected. As a technician, going the extra mile might involve staying late to complete a case or researching new techniques to improve your skills.
9. In a Nutshell
When you summarize something concisely or in a few words, you’re explaining it in a nutshell. For instance, if a colleague asks for a quick overview of a case, you can say, ‘In a nutshell, it’s a Class II malocclusion.’
10. Get the Ball Rolling
This idiom means to start or initiate something. In a laboratory, getting the ball rolling on a case involves the initial steps of gathering information, taking impressions, and creating a treatment plan.
